Greg Copenhaver has been named the College of Arts & Sciences’ new associate dean for research and innovation, effective July 1.
Copenhaver brings a wealth of experience to this role. A member of the UNC-Chapel Hill faculty since 2001, he shares joint appointments as a professor in the department of biology and the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences (IBGS). He also served on committees that led to the formation of the College’s Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship. He has taught in the program since 2008. In addition, he is affiliated with the UNC Center for Bioethics, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the curriculum in genetics. He has also made important contributions to science outside the university setting and has experience launching a startup: Prior to joining the University, he co-founded and grew a biotechnology company and has been at the forefront of promoting open-access science by serving as editor-in-chief at PLOS Genetics.
Copenhaver’s scholarly work explores chromosome structure and dynamics in the processes that give rise to reproductive cells. His research relies heavily on genetic and genomic approaches to yield insights into how genes are inherited between generations. His research group’s work has used many model species including fungi, plants and animals and currently emphasizes plant biology with the broad aim of improving global food security.
In 2019 he received a Breakthrough Technology Award from the National Science Foundation and in 2020 he was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Greg received his B.S. from the University of California Riverside, his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Chicago.
As associate dean for research and innovation, Copenhaver will be responsible for developing and implementing research and innovation strategies for the College and supporting leadership and faculty to enhance the College’s research and scholarship portfolio. As a member of the dean’s senior leadership team, he will provide executive management advice to the interdisciplinary research and scholarship enterprises within the College, working with the senior associate deans, the faculty director of convergent science, UNC Research, the vice chancellor for research, Innovate Carolina and other units throughout the University.