AMES, Iowa – The "interim" tag will come off Martin Spalding’s title in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University. Spalding will become the permanent associate dean of research and graduate studies in the college effective Jan. 1.
"I am very pleased that Marty has agreed to join the LAS leadership team in this position," said Beate Schmittmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "He brings an outstanding research record in genetics and molecular biology and an excellent knowledge of research across the university to this role. We are very grateful for his service as interim associate dean and look forward to his future ideas and initiatives."
As associate dean of research and graduate studies, Spalding oversees the LAS College research enterprise. He also acts as an advocate for growing research in the college and as an advocate for all graduate programs and graduate students in LAS. He also is a liaison between the college and university administration – as well as between LAS and the faculty, staff and students – on a wide range of issues relating to research and graduate studies.
"With the strong emphasis of President Leath, Provost Wickert and Dean Schmittmann on growing the research enterprise of the university and the college, and on increasing the number and quality of graduate students, this is a very exciting time to be assuming this position as associate dean," Spalding said.
Spalding has been on the Iowa State faculty since 1984. He is a professor and was the chair of the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, where he maintains an active research laboratory. His research focuses on understanding photosynthetic metabolism in algae and plants. Recently he has used his expertise in this area to try to improve the productivity of algae as a possible source of renewable biofuels.
Spalding has held the interim associate dean’s position since July 1, 2011 when he assumed the duties of David Oliver, who became the college’s interim dean. It was announced today that Oliver will become ISU’s interim vice president of research and economic development. -30-
About Liberal Arts and Sciences The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a world-class learning and research community. Iowa State’s most academically diverse college, LAS educates students to become global citizens, providing rigorous academic programs in the sciences, humanities and social sciences within a supportive personalized learning environment. College faculty design new materials, unravel biological structures, care for the environment, and explore social and behavioral issues. From fundamental research to technology transfer and artistic expression, the college supports people in Iowa and around the world.
NEWS RELEASE College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa State University
Contacts: Martin Spalding, Liberal Arts and Sciences, (515) 294-4851, mspaldin@iastate.edu Steve Jones, Liberal Arts and Sciences Communications, (515) 294-0461, jones@iastate.edu