The College of Natural Sciences has announced that Professor Michael Antolin will continue in his position as chair of the Department of Biology for another term.

Having served as biology chair since 2013, Antolin’s reappointment shows that his dedication to the department, students and research – and his and aptitude for advancement – haven’t gone unnoticed.

Prioritizing innovation

For the Department of Biology, 2017 was a time of unparalleled growth and development.

Most notably, the state-of-the-art Biology Building opened its doors in August after nearly two years of construction and more than a decade of planning. It now provides a home-base for a record number of undergraduate students. Biology faculty continued to receive local, national, and international recognition for their work, making the research funding for the Department of Biology one of the highest in the University.

“The Biology Building culminates efforts by many, being mindful of efficient, flexible and functional spaces for the cutting edge in life sciences education and research,” Antolin said. “We hope it will be a destination for many others as well, and for many years a place to join and to grow.”

A man of many talents

There to oversee it all – while also teaching and conducting research of his own – was Antolin. He received recognition in 2017 for his election as fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Scienceby his peers for his research on zoonotic disease transmission.

“I am fortunate to have been lifted up by so many truly excellent and dedicated faculty, researchers, staff and students,” Antolin said. “The group effort makes the work seem light, and I’m grateful to have been on this team.”

Forging on

While many would be tempted to pause and bask in the light of recent achievements, Antolin looks to further the success of the Department of Biology in his next term.

“It’s made worthwhile by the enterprise, the unbroken line of people stretching from the past into a future, standing on this solid foundation, and always excited to see the next discovery,” Antolin said. “We build it, they come, and we build some more.”




All Announcements