From the Dean...

It's a remarkable time for our College indeed, and I am thrilled to be here.

I am thrilled to be here! My first day as Dean of the College of Biological Sciences was September 1, and the ensuing few weeks have been busy and incredibly interesting. I have been deeply impressed with this University's emphasis on excellence in every aspect of its mission; we often hear about "research, teaching, and service" as the missions of the University, but Ohio State also places emphasis on treating its students, staff, and faculty well; on providing a healthy work environment; and on being good neighbors to the Columbus community. It's a huge place, to be sure, but one that gives each person the opportunity to reach his/her potential.

As a biologist, I feel especially fortunate to have become Dean of this particular College. In fact, colleges of biological sciences are a rarity in the academic world. Here, though, our College makes great sense as a central unit within which to do basic research on topics ranging from molecules to ecosystems; as a home to graduate students in disciplinary-based as well as interdisciplinary graduate programs; and as the organization entrusted with the education of some 2000 undergraduates majoring in the life sciences, plus many more who take biology courses to round out their education. Our faculty, staff, and students are involved in amazing ventures, bringing their expertise to local schools, to civic organizations, to state offices, and beyond Ohio's borders.

We now have the best student body in the history of our college. Almost a third of our undergraduates participate in the University Honors and Scholars program, the largest percentage of any Arts & Sciences college here. They are doing wonderful work in the classroom, in the research laboratory, in the field, and in the community. Our graduate students are creating new knowledge for their thesis and dissertation work; the new M.S. in Biotechnology program in Biochemistry is training students to enter industry through a combination of technical training and industrial internships Our students are our future, and what a bright future it is.

Our College boasts more than 14,000 Alumni. I was gratified to meet the leadership of the College of Biological Sciences Alumni Society a few weeks back, and to host former and current students at a tailgate party. Our alumni are a tremendously valuable resource for the College and especially for our students who are preparing to enter the world of work. We are grateful to those who have supported our efforts, and look forward to working more closely with biology Buckeyes.

In spring 2003 we will move into the spanking-new Stanley J. Aronoff building, a modern research facility that will house three departments. Soon thereafter, the University will start a major renovation for Jennings Hall (formerly known as Botany and Zoology). This is more than a facelift for the old B&Z; current plans call for a new lecture hall, transformation of teaching labs, and redesign of research space to accommodate 21st century science. While physical facilities cannot take the place of outstanding faculty and staff, we owe our students a safe and modern environment in which to excel.

Finally, I have the privilege of working with our dynamic new President, Dr. Karen Holbrook, and her staff. I have been most impressed with the team that runs this University, and joining this talented group is an honor. I also am blessed with an able team in my own office. I am particularly indebted to Associate Dean Rich Hall, who served as Interim Dean last year, to Associate Dean Caroline Breitenberger, who oversees our complex range of undergraduate programs, and to the chairs who lead our six departments so ably. It's a remarkable time for our College indeed, and I am thrilled to be here.

This issue of Synergy highlights just a sample of the wonderful work ongoing in the College of Biological Sciences. We hope you find the stories interesting; in future we plan to provide even more coverage of our alumni, so please let us hear from you!