Faustman appointed associate dean for research
By Kim Markesich
Cameron Faustman, the College's associate dean for undergraduate academic programs, has been appointed to serve also as associate dean for research. Faustman will serve in both capacities, overseeing the College’s academic programs and its research activities.
“I am so pleased that Dr. Faustman has agreed to take on this additional leadership responsibility,” says Dean Gregory Weidemann. “Dr. Faustman is well respected for his research contributions throughout his career, and he will bring new energy and a new perspective to the research endeavors within the College.”
“I see it as a way to contribute to the academic mission that’s different from what I did as a faculty member only,” Faustman says. “I’m taking on more administrative duties, so it has become more difficult to maintain traditional faculty responsibilities, but my goal is to remain academically active.”
Faustman’s impressive record includes many awards for his research in the field of food and meat biochemistry. He is currently completing a four-year USDA-funded research project focusing on the relationship between discoloration in meat and the breakdown of fat, both normal processes that affect impact meat quality.
Last spring Faustman taught a graduate course in food chemistry, and during the fall semester, co-taught a First-Year Experience class.
As associate dean for research, Faustman will oversee programs that support research within the College. Two key staff members working with Faustman are Nancy Abbott, grants development officer, and Lynn Grabowski, administrative services specialist. Abbott assists faculty members with funding searches and grant submissions. Grabowski manages the federal formula funds awarded to the Storrs Agriculture Experiment Station.
Faustman plans to facilitate faculty members’ efforts to increase the number and diversity of funding opportunities they pursue and enhance the graduate student council’s annual research forum. He held a research retreat in early January.
Under the academic programs umbrella, Faustman has been working with colleagues to expand the College Ambassador program and increase the College's scholarship portfolio. He says that a record number of students have enrolled in the College, with the largest increases within the departments of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Allied Health Sciences and the Environmental Science Program.
“The Office of Academic Programs coordinates a variety of student and faculty support programs that help facilitate academic programs,” Faustman says. These include student advising, Commencement, the College scholarship portfolio, student recruitment, summer orientation, and Career Night.
Faustman applies the principles he held as a professor and department head to the administering the daily operations of the College. “I always wanted to be involved in teaching and research, and when administrative opportunities arose, I found I enjoyed it. I like to be a detail person behind the scenes, getting things done for the good of the College, and ultimately, to benefit the students.”
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