Griffiths named acting head of research, graduate school

Biology professor and former University Council executive secretary Dan Griffiths has been named Acting Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School.

Griffiths' appointment awaits formal approval from the NIU Board of Trustees later this week. "Dr. Griffiths is an excellent choice for this important position," said Provost Ivan Legg. The position came open this summer upon the retirement of longtime grad school dean Jerry Zar.

Dan Griffiths

Griffiths holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Illinois, and did postdoctoral work at Washington University. He began his teaching career at the University of Rochester, departing for NIU in 1981. He is credited with having played a major role in the creation of the Ph.D. in biological sciences at NIU.

In addition to numerous committee roles in his department, Griffiths also has served on the Academic Planning Council, the Faculty Senate, University Council and the University Advisory Committee.

His research involves the repair of radiation-induced damage to mammalian cells. He has published numerous journal articles on the subject, and during his career has received nearly $1 million in external research support from the National Institutes of Health. He has also reviewed scientific articles and grants for the NIH and the National Science Foundation. Griffiths is currently collaborating on research examining light-induced damage to the eye.