New Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Named

Paul Shapiro, PhD, will lead growth of the School’s research enterprise and graduate education

By Becky Ceraul
January 12, 2009

Paul Shapiro, PhD, an associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, has been named the School of Pharmacy’s associate dean for research and graduate studies. Dr. Shapiro has been a faculty member at the School for nine years and has a distinguished record of research, service and teaching. He has served as director of the graduate program in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences since 2005, where he initiated an undergraduate summer internship program that has fostered the growth and caliber of students entering the program. Dr. Shapiro has been a strong voice of support and advocacy for students, serving tirelessly to facilitate their progression through the rigorous PhD program. In addition to his service in PSC, Dr. Shapiro has also served as vice president of the School’s Faculty Assembly.

Dr. Shapiro is a distinguished researcher focusing on the regulation of the ERK kinase signaling pathway. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and includes the aforementioned pathway in the pathogenesis of human cancers, as well as identifying disease targets for subsequent drug entities. Based on his expertise and the importance of this pathway, he has forged collaborations in the School and across the campus.

“Growing our research enterprise in the pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical health services research, clinical sciences, and the scholarship of education are major School initiatives,” says Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “The proven leadership abilities that Dr. Shapiro brings to this position will enhance the excellence of our research and graduate education programs and heighten their reputation and impact.”

“My goals as associate dean are to promote research activities within the School and to foster collaborations with other schools on campus and with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,” Shapiro says. “I hope to help facilitate growth in the total amount of external funding that supports the School’s research activities and the number of faculty who are supported by external grants and contracts. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students to help promote and enrich the School’s research programs.”