Biomedical Engineering Department Chair Jeffrey L. Duerk, PhD, will become the next dean of the Case School of Engineering, effective Jan. 1, Case Western Reserve University President Barbara R. Snyder announced.

An alumnus of the school, Duerk has been a member of the university faculty since 1988 and has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility since 1994.

“Jeff possesses the intellect, experience and passion for excellence required to realize the immense potential that exists in the Case School of Engineering,” Snyder said. “An accomplished scientist in his own right, he understands well how to encourage collaboration and execute strategies to advance academic achievement.”