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Epifanio is appointed CMES associate dean
8:33 a.m., Aug. 31, 2006--Charles Epifanio has been appointed associate dean of the University of Delaware's College of Marine and Earth Studies and will be responsible for the academic programs of the college and the day-to-day activities of the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. He will work closely with Dean Nancy Targett. Epifanio, a professor of marine biology-biochemistry, succeeds David Kirchman, Maxwell P. and Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies, who served as associate dean for the past five years. Targett said Kirchman served the college with distinction and played a significant role in laying the groundwork for the college's transition, as it recently incorporated the Department of Geological Sciences and changed its named from the College of Marine Studies to the College of Marine and Earth Studies. Kirchman will return to full-time teaching and will continue his research on the role of bacteria in marine environments. One of Epifanio's first tasks in his new role will be to coordinate the integration of the Department of Geological Sciences into its new home in the college. “The inclusion of the Department of Geological Sciences has not only expanded the academic breadth of the college to include the earth sciences, but also added a different kind of academic structure,” Epifanio said. Epifanio said the college now has two kinds of academic programs, the non-departmental, focused graduate programs that it has always had and a more traditional, departmental program, complete with an undergraduate curriculum. This added structure and focus will help the college better equip its students to become knowledgeable scientists in the years ahead, he said. A member of the college's faculty since 1971, Epifanio conducts research on the biology of the larval and early life stages of ecologically and commercially important fish and crustaceans, such as the blue crab. He is particularly interested in the physical and biological factors that drive year-to-year variations in the populations of these species. A leading researcher in this area, he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles. Epifanio also has a record of excellence in teaching. He has taught various courses in marine biology and biological oceanography and has, to date, advised more than 50 students in obtaining their graduate degree. In 2002, Epifanio was honored as the first recipient of UD's Outstanding Graduate Student Mentoring and Advising Award. This award was granted on the basis of his dedication and commitment to excellence in graduate training and his contribution to the quality of life and professional development of his students. In addition, Epifanio serves as associate director of the UD Sea Grant College Program, which was established in 1976. As associate director, he administers the research activities of Delaware Sea Grant. He also is on the board of trustees of the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Wilmington. Epifanio earned his doctorate in zoology from Duke University and his bachelor's degree in biology from Lafayette College. Article by Kari Gulbrandsen |
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