I am working hard to get up to speed with the people, programs, and assets of the community, and have already been fortunate to meet many campus thought leaders and innovators. Likewise, it is a privilege to be able to work with the members of our talented SOMOR team, who work tirelessly to ensure that research activities can be facilitated, accelerated, recognized and appreciated in the School of Medicine and beyond. I definitely wish to thank Drs. Wun, Haczku and Erdembileg for all of their efforts in ensuring that operations have continued smoothly during the extended period when there has been no permanent vice dean.
As of this writing, I have been in Sacramento for just a month. I accepted the position of vice dean not only because of my perception of the many strengths of UC Davis School of Medicine, but also because of my immediate sense that the leaders of the institution have both a vision for the future of research as well as the commitment to invest in that vision. One great example will be the University/Private/Community partnership embodied in Aggie Square, where the School of Medicine will be an anchor tenant and where discoveries made by our faculty will be propelled into the market as real-world cures. We can expect groundbreaking soon! Similarly, there are extraordinarily bright prospects for collaboration with colleagues from other schools and colleges within the broader University, which will be needed to address society’s most challenging problems. I look forward to brokering and incentivizing such partnerships. Finally, SOMOR will be working hard to address our infrastructure needs, to streamline operations wherever possible, and to facilitate research efforts, particularly by assisting early career researchers and those submitting large, complex proposals.
One of my most important roles will be to serve as Cheerleader-in-Chief for the School of Medicine’s many research accomplishments. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with news of a recent discovery, publication or grant. Likewise, I hope to hear from a broad spectrum of the faculty as to how we can assist you with your research goals. My inbox will always be open at [email protected].
Kim E. Barrett, Ph.D.
Vice Dean for Research and Distinguished Professor of Physiology and Membrane Biology
UC Davis School of Medicine
