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New chair of Cell and Molecular Physiology

Toni Pak, PhD, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, effective July 1, 2018.

Dr. Pak has served as interim chair of the department since February 2017. During that time, she oversaw the recruitment and mentoring of two new Assistant Professors, worked effectively to enhance collaborative research in the department, and led interdisciplinary investigations with the Cardiovascular Research Institute, and clinical departments. Concurrently, she continued to serve as the course director for Functions of the Human Body and achieved renewal of one of her NIH R01s.

“I am honored to accept this exciting opportunity to work with Dean Goldstein and members of the Cell and Molecular Physiology Department to further his vision of creating strong research teams that will provide intersections between fundamental basic science research and clinical outcomes,” said Dr. Pak.

Dr. Pak joined Loyola in 2007 and is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and was previously Neuroscience Division Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute. She is also a faculty member within the Biochemistry Graduate Program and the Alcohol Research Group. She is a current nominee for the James R. DePauw Professor of Cell and Molecular Physiology.

She received her PhD from the University of Colorado, Boulder and completed post-doctoral fellowships at Colorado State University. She received the Ralph P. Leischner Master Teacher Award for Medical Education in 2014 was named Junior Faculty Scientist of the Year in 2010. Her research focuses on the molecular signaling mechanisms of nuclear steroid receptors in the brain during pubertal development and aging/menopause.

Dr. Pak has natural skills as an effective leader and the career experience to spearhead our plans for significant growth of the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and its affiliated translational and clinical centers and programs. She a superb scientist, with a rare gift for guiding students and faculty to professional success. Dr. Pak also has a keen eye for talent. She is a role model and will be a valuable member of my senior leadership team in this time of rapid growth.

Please join me in offering her support and warm congratulations.