Scientist to Chair Molecular Biosciences Department

A new chair has been selected for the Department of Molecular Biosciences. Dan Leahy, a structural biologist and Professor of Biophysics & Biophysical Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, will assume the role in January.

Dr. Dan Leahy of Johns Hopkins University will chair the Department of Molecular Biosciences.

Leahy will lead one of the College's largest departments, with 64 faculty, as well as one of its newest. The college established the Molecular Biosciences Department in 2013 as part of a reorganization designed in part to advance biomedical sciences and prepare the college for strong, ongoing collaboration with the Dell Medical School. The opportunity to interact and coordinate with partners in the newly forming medical school is just one exciting aspect of coming to UT Austin, according to the incoming department chair.

"The outstanding group of faculty in the department and the resources provided by Dean Linda Hicke and the College make it clear that there is a strong commitment to make the department a world leader in research and education," Leahy said.

Leahy's research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cell signaling. As a structural biologist, he examines the processes by which proteins and other molecules behave within living systems. Such research relies on cutting-edge technology, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, so a new lab in the Larry R. Faulkner Nano Science and Technology Building is being equipped to support this research by Leahy and others in the department.

"Bringing a first-rate researcher of this caliber to our college is an accomplishment and further enhances UT Austin's profile in the growing field of structural biology," said Dean Appling the College of Natural Sciences' associate dean for research and facilities and a professor of molecular biosciences.