A founding faculty member of the Northern Medical Program who has spent almost 15 years teaching, conducting research and providing service at the University of Northern British Columbia has been named the university's new vice president of research and graduate programs.
The appointment for Dr. Geoff Payne, who has held the position on an interim basis since September 2015, begins March 19.
"Dr. Payne brings an extraordinary level of expertise to this portfolio, not to mention a zeal for teaching and research and a passion for supporting an encouraging our many outstanding graduate students," said UNBC president Dr. Daniel Weeks. "As UNBC continues to transform into a destination university that offers a world-class education and leading research in an environment second to none, I know Dr. Payne will play a critical role in our efforts, and I congratulate him on behalf of the university community."
Payne came to UNBC in June 2004 as a founding faculty member with the Northern Medical Program following a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale University in the department of cellular and molecular physiology and John B. Pierce Laboratory. He holds a doctorate from Memorial University in the field of cardiovascular and renal physiology.
"UNBC is at an exciting time in its history during which we are seeing continued, tremendous success on the part of our entire research community. We are building a supportive environment for our faculty and students and I am thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant university where research is an integral fabric of its mission," Payne said. "I am excited by the direction the university is embarking on, as through the support of the university's many champions, we are providing local solutions that have a global impact."
