Glen Van Der Kraak, associate dean (research) in the College of Biological Science (CBS), has been named as the college’s interim dean effective Aug. 1.

The announcement was made today by Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic).

“Professor Van Der Kraak has years of experience as an administrator, professor and researcher,” Yates said. “His knowledge and history will be a valuable asset as CBS enters into a period of leadership transition.”

Jonathan Newman, who was appointed as CBS dean in 2015, will become vice-president (research) at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo this year.

A search for a new college dean is expected to begin in the fall; information will be posted on the provost’s website.

In making the announcement, Yates thanked Newman for his service and leadership.

Van Der Kraak chairs the advisory committee of U of G’s Advanced Analysis Centre in the Summerlee Science Complex, where he also oversees the centre’s genomics facility. He is a member of the advisory board of the Southern Ontario Water Consortium and is a visiting professor at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in Brazil.

An expert in reproductive physiology and toxicology, he has developed rapid screening tests for fish exposure to hazardous compounds in waste water.