GRAND RAPIDS ? The Van Andel Institute, a MichBio member, on Monday named Steven Triezenberg, Ph.D. as the founding dean of the Van Andel Education Institute Graduate School. Triezenberg, who currently serves as associate director of Michigan State University’s cell and molecular biology graduate program, will help develop VAEI’s doctoral program in cellular and molecular biology. He starts in May.
?Last July we executed a national search for an entrepreneurial and visionary leader in graduate education. We sought candidates with the essential experience, energy, creativity and personal commitment to help build one of the best graduate programs in the country ? a novel initiative for an independent research institution,? said VAI Chairman and CEO David Van Andel. ?Steven possesses these qualities and more. He comes to VAI with more than 18 years of experience in research, training and academic program administration. It is an honor to have him join our team.?
As the graduate school?s founding dean, Triezenberg will help shape the program?s vision and structure, develop strong curriculum, recruit motivated and talented students and oversee the daily operations. He will report to VAEI Director Gordon Van Harn, Ph.D. and will serve on VAI?s executive team.
?This is such a tremendous opportunity for which I am extremely grateful. The challenge of developing a graduate program that aspires to meet industry needs for professionals with expertise in science and technology in contemporary genetics is very exciting. I am confident that in partnership with the forward thinking team already in place at the Institute we will accomplish this goal,? Triezenberg said.
In addition to Triezenberg?s role at MSU?s cell and molecular biology graduate program, he is also a professor in the university?s department of biochemistry and molecular biology. Throughout his career, Triezenberg has acquired extensive experience in curriculum design and implementation for medical graduate students and has received numerous honors for teaching excellence. His executive experience in an interdepartmental graduate program includes student recruitment and retention and program evaluation and revision. Triezenberg recently completed a yearlong fellowship for academic leadership development at MSU. He earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids.
?The remarkable advances in genetics over the last decade have charted a new course in biomedical research and medical practice. Steven has been a leader in this field. We will look to him to develop a program that will expand developments in cellular and molecular biology and will bridge the gap between basic understanding and clinical application of these advances,? said Van Harn.
Last year, VAEI announced plans for its graduate program in cellular and molecular biology, with an emphasis on translation. Upon completion of Phase II of VAI, the graduate school expects to enroll a maximum of 25 students in the four- to five-year program. Graduates will be prepared for research in molecular and cellular genetics, application of basic research to clinical settings and providing professional technical services that support research and its applications in clinics.
Van Andel Research Institute scientists and academics from regional colleges, universities and clinics will comprise the graduate school?s faculty. The program?s curriculum will include courses in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and pathobiology as well as studies in laboratory techniques and clinical practice. A major component of the students’ program will be the dissertation research as a member of an Institute research team.
