Pablo Debenedetti, the Class of 1950 Professor in Engineering and Applied Science, has been appointed as vice dean, a new position that will help create a more efficient and effective staff for the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

The position of vice dean results from combining the responsibilities of associate dean for academic affairs and associate dean for administration into a single position, with some additions and rearrangements of responsibilities.

Debenedetti, who is the past chair and current acting chair and director of graduate studies of the Department of Chemical Engineering, will become vice dean effective July 1, when he turns over his departmental responsibilities to incoming chair Richard Register. There will be a transition period between July 1, 2008 and February 2, 2009, during which Roland Heck will continue to assist the school on a part-time basis. During this period, Debenedetti will focus primarily on facilities planning.

In addition to being an exceptional teacher and researcher who is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, Debenedetti led chemical engineering through an important period of growth and curricular innovation, and has very effectively directed our new Engineering-Math-Physics integrated freshman curriculum.

“I am very happy that Pablo has agreed to join the Dean’s staff,” said Dean H. Vincent Poor. “I very much look forward to working with him and am excited about the work we will be able to accomplish in advancing teaching and research throughout the School.”

The main elements of the vice dean’s portfolio of responsibilities include:

allocation of research resources, including start-up and matching funds
planning use of space and other facilities issues
promotion of new research initiatives and industrial collaboration
facilitating international initiatives

Curricular and related responsibilities previously held by the associate dean for academic affairs will be assumed by the director of the Center for Innovation in Engineering Education (CIEE), Sharad Malik.