Greg Crawford, current dean of engineering at Brown University, will replace Joseph Marino as the dean of the College of Science. Crawford will begin his role as dean and physics professor this summer.
"Dr. Greg Crawford is an extraordinary scientist, an award-winning teacher, a prolific researcher, and a gifted administrator," University Provost Thomas Burish said. "In addition to being internationally recognized for his innovative research on liquid-crystal displays, he has leveraged his knowledge of basic science to develop several medical devices that impact the detection of infectious diseases, treatment of rare diseases and the interaction of medications with muscular tissue."
Burish said Crawford's enthusiasm, as well as his attraction to the University's Catholic mission, makes him a good fit for the Notre Dame community.
"Greg brings exceptional energy and an entrepreneurial vision to the College of Science," he said. "Greg is particularly attracted to the Catholic mission and academic ambition of Notre Dame."
Before assuming the deans position at Brown in 2006, Crawford was a researcher for the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, as well as for the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Crawford also co-founded two biotech companies and holds of 15 U.S. patents.
According to Burish, under Crawford's leadership, the College of Science will see an increase in its connections with the other colleges on campus, as well as with the South Bend community.
"Greg loves to build bridges with other academic units, so he is already thinking about establishing mutually beneficial collaborations with the Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Letters, and Business as well as Innovation Park and the Indiana University School of Medicine South Bend," said Burish.
Burish said Crawford will quickly become assimilated in the Notre Dame community.
"Greg's first goal is to familiarize himself with the faculty, departments and centers in the College of Science," he said. "He visited campus earlier this week to introduce himself to the science faculty and staff. In a future visit, he will meet with students and learn more details about the exciting academic and research programs underway in the College."
Burish said that hiring Crawford is just another step forward in recent years for the College of Science.
"With the recent opening of Jordan Hall of Science, terrific faculty and strong growth in our externally funded research, this is an exciting time for the College of Science at Notre Dame," he said.
Marino, who was the dean of the College of Science for the past 6 years, will be remaining with the University as a chemistry professor.
