DeWald Named Biology Department Head

Sometimes new bosses walk into workplaces where everything’s broken and needs immediate repair. Professor Daryll DeWald is quick to point out this is not the case with USU’s Biology Department. DeWald, who succeeded professor Jon Takemoto as department head July 1, describes the department as a “well-oiled machine.”

“We have outstanding faculty and staff,” he says. “I’m inheriting a very healthy department from Jon and Butch Brodie before him, and we’re poised for even more growth.”

Expanding research and teaching connections across campus, along with the state’s new Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR), open new doors of opportunity for the department, says DeWald, whose own research focuses on mammalian and plant cell signaling. “USTAR bolsters our ability to recruit top-notch researchers and strengthens our collaborations with the University of Utah. This initiative will have far-reaching, positive effects for USU and for our department.”

Like his predecessors, DeWald says, he’s a “huge advocate” for undergraduate research. “Our department has unique strengths in this area and I want to continue to foster faculty-student collaborations.”

DeWald, who formerly served as associate director for research for USU’s Center for Integrated BioSystems, has been actively involved in the university’s Multicultural Science Research Fellowship program. The scholarship program seeks to provide students from underrepresented groups with science research opportunities. “Pairing students with faculty mentors and involving them in meaningful research ventures is critical for student retention,” he says.

Another goal DeWald plans to pursue is growth in the department’s graduate programs. “This is very important for us and is a growing challenge as competition among universities for the best and brightest candidates increases,” he says. “Graduate schools are offering more generous teaching and research assistantships and we need to keep pace.”

Along with increased recruitment comes the need to plan for future facilities. “The university has been considering new space for our department for some time and I look forward to being involved in that process,” says DeWald.

Yet another area where DeWald seeks growth for the department is the establishment of endowed chair professorships.

“Having the opportunity to recognize outstanding faculty in the department and bringing in established investigators would greatly enhance our programs,” he says.

“We have a strong infrastructure and a strong team in place,” says DeWald. “I look forward to continued progress in our research and teaching endeavors.”

A Texas Aggie-turned-Utah State Aggie, DeWald earned his doctorate from Texas A&M University in 1993. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles.

Contact: Daryll DeWald, 435-797-3711, dewald@biology.usu.edu

Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-1429, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu