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New OU Research VP Says “Very Exciting Things” Are Going To Happen
By: Lu Wu
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Ohio University's new Vice President of Research and Creative Activity and Dean of the Graduate College says research is a defining characteristic of the university.
Joseph Shields was recently named to the position after a national search.
He served in this position in an interim role for a few months before being selected for the permanent job.
"It's a great honor and pleasure to take on that responsibility." Shields says.
Shields, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, joined Ohio University in 1996. He received his doctoral degree in astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley and specializes in nebular astrophysics.
Shields says he plans to boost research and creative activity across all sectors of the university. He reveals that "very exciting things" are going to happen next year, including hiring new faculty and starting a new PhD program in translational biomedicine.
Shields says students working with faculty who are doing research and creative activity is crucial to the university.
"That's how we equip our students with an excellent education that will equip them with their careers and their lives in the future," says Shields.