After a national search, David Schneider, Ph.D., has been named chair of the UAB Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG), effective Oct. 1.
A faculty member since 2007, Schneider is a professor and holds the Louise T. Chow, Ph.D., Heersink Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. He also serves as interim dean of the UAB Graduate School.
“Biomedical research faces undeniable challenges right now, but many opportunities to advance science and improve human health remain,” said Schneider. “The BMG department is fortunate to have an excellent community of scientists, educators, and trainees. Building on our collective strengths, we will expand our impact in research, education, and service, advancing UAB's mission and extending our influence well beyond our campus."
Schneider is a nationally recognized biochemist and molecular geneticist whose research has advanced understanding of gene expression and the fundamental mechanisms that regulate cellular function. His studies have revealed important discoveries in transcriptional regulation and RNA polymerase biology and contributed to translational efforts in cancer biology and therapeutic development. Throughout his career, he has maintained a highly successful, continuously funded research program supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other competitive funding agencies.
Schneider has trained and mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career scientists who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and research leadership. His dedication to developing the next generation of scientists has been recognized through multiple honors for mentoring and teaching excellence.
“Dr. Schneider has distinguished himself as an exceptional scientist, educator, mentor, and leader whose vision aligns closely with the department’s long-standing record of excellence and its ambitious plans for the future,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine. “He is the ideal leader to build upon the department’s strengths in fundamental discovery, innovation, and education while positioning it for continued growth in an increasingly competitive biomedical research environment.”