David A. Vorp, PhD, William Kepler Whiteford Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering, has been appointed Associate Dean for Research at the Swanson School, effective October 15, 2012. Dr. Vorp succeeds Mark Redfern, PhD, who was named as Pitt’s Vice Provost for Research in August 2012.

“On behalf of the Swanson School, we are proud to appoint an accomplished researcher and alumnus as our Associate Dean for Research,” noted Gerald D. Holder, PhD, US Steel Dean of Engineering. “Dr. Vorp enjoys a collaborative history with faculty and staff at both the Swanson School and the School of Medicine, and has generated significant research funding from federal and foundation sources. He also has experience with translational research and commercialization, which are growing priorities for the Swanson School and Pitt.”

“I am honored by Dean Holder’s confidence, and humbled to know that I am in position to help a School that I care very deeply about, having been affiliated with it continuously for over 30 years,” Dr. Vorp said. “I understand that I follow in large footsteps, and I expect to continue the positive trajectory in advancing research and scholarship for the Swanson School that was the hallmark of Vice Provost Redfern’s tenure in this position. I embrace the challenge and opportunity to work closely with the leadership, faculty and staff of the Swanson School to establish new, multi-disciplinary initiatives within the mission of the School, and I am confident that we will continue to grow our portfolio of academic excellence.“