KOVACS NAMED VICE CHAIR OF RESEARCH FOR CU DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Among her priorities are increasing collaboration and expanding the department’s reputation.

Elizabeth J. Kovacs, PhD, professor of GI, trauma, and endocrine surgery, has been named vice chair of research in the CU Department of Surgery.

In her new role, Kovacs is responsible for advancing the research mission of the department, with particular focus on deepening and broadening the department’s research portfolio.

This includes basic and translational science, outcomes, education, and clinical/health services research, as well as innovation pathways.

“Research improves everything,” says Kovacs, who received a BA in biology from Reed College and a PhD in cell biology from the University of Vermont. “It brings in better residents and faculty, it excites people about the field, and it allows us to shake up the dogma of how things are done and do them better. Gaining new knowledge is critically important to all of us.”

Kovacs joined the CU Department of Surgery in 2016; prior to that she was professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Surgery at Loyola University Chicago.