Dean's Message

Dear Alumni, Friends, and Colleagues: Discovery is the essence of science. It is an experience and a process that compels humans to explore and understand the world and the universe in which we live.

Research discoveries from each discipline in the College – Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy – are highlighted in this issue of Discover. These discoveries illustrate how basic scientific research continues to impact and fuel Utah’s economy by providing new technologies and solutions.

In July, the Department of Biology was renamed as the new School of Biological Sciences to better represent the size and structure of the faculty research areas. The School has major thrusts in three research divisions: Cellular and Molecular, Ecology and Physiology, and Genetics and Evolution. The new organizational structure enhances the faculty’s ability to educate students and generate new scientific knowledge.

The University’s new president, Ruth V. Watkins, was formally inaugurated on September 21, 2018. President Watkins expressed her vision for the University to rise to new heights. In order to reach these lofty goals she announced that the University would embark on a new capital campaign titled, “Imagine New Heights,” which is a four-year public effort with the goal of raising $2 billion to further advance the research and education impacts at the University of Utah.

The College of Science has an important stake in the University’s capital campaign. We have many ambitions, including a new Physical Sciences Building, an innovative Undergraduate Research Center, endowed Chairs and Professorships, and undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships.

Please join the Crimson Laureate Society and help the students and faculty of the College of Science continue to excel!

Henry S. WhiteDean, College of ScienceDistinguished Professor of Chemistry