David Van Vactor, HMS professor of cell biology, has been named the new head of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences graduate program at HMS, effective immediately. He replaces Robert Kingston, HMS professor of genetics at Massachusetts General Hospital, who has completed his service as head of the program.
Van Vactor’s research focuses on the mechanisms that guide neuronal processes to their ultimate destinations at the synapse. Using an embryonic Drosophila model, his lab specifically explores which molecules control axon guidance and synaptic target recognition.
Of his new leadership position, Van Vactor said, “I’m excited and honored to take on the stewardship of BBS and to facilitate innovation in HMS graduate education.”
Kingston headed the program for three years and has played a leading role in the study of the way chromosomal proteins control and maintain stable patterns of gene activity. Nancy Andrews, the George Richards Minot professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Boston and dean for basic sciences and graduate studies at HMS, praised his efforts in connecting BBS to other Harvard programs.
“Bob has worked hard to ensure that off-Quad faculty and students feel like part of the BBS community,” she said.
Speaking about Van Vactor she added, “Davie’s novel scientific investigations and his community focus make him an ideal member of the faculty to be leading BBS into the future.”
Van Vactor said that he intends to carry on the bridge building that Kingston began. “I am quite confident that we can build new opportunities for synergy and interaction across our research community, while protecting the best traditions of the BBS program,” he explained. “With such a great group of students and faculty, I know that I will enjoy this job.”
