Timothy WickTimothy Wick, Ph.D., professor and senior associate dean in the School of Engineering, will become its interim dean effective Aug. 15. Wick will replace Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., who plans to step down as dean on that date and join the faculty.
“Dr. Wick has considerable experience as an administrator and as an active citizen in UAB campuswide activities. That experience, coupled with his excellent credentials and experience as a biomedical engineer will ensure that the school has capable leadership until a new dean can be appointed,” said Provost Pam Benoit.
Wick said he is honored to continue his service to the school by assuming the interim role. “In my 14 years in the UAB School of Engineering, I have come to appreciate the great things that go on in our school every day due to the efforts of our fine faculty and staff,” Wick said.
Wick has more than 30 years of experience in the development of biomedical technologies to improve health care delivery and patient outcomes — including tissue engineering for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular applications, transdermal drug delivery devices and evaluation of tissue regeneration and antimicrobial properties of novel dental implant biomaterials.
Wick started the School of Engineering’s Student Project Lab with colleagues from engineering and the Department of Art and Art History, as an interdisciplinary studio to provide students interested in product development and innovation an environment to develop collaboration and critical thinking skills necessary to solve important societal problems. Project Lab clients include Children’s of Alabama, UAB Hospital, UAB Health System, the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and The Lakeshore Foundation.
Wick received his doctorate in chemical engineering from Rice University and his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
“I sincerely thank Dr. Alexander for his service as dean,” Benoit said. “I look forward to working with Dr. Wick and to seeing Dr. Alexander’s future contributions to the school as a faculty member.”
A national search for a permanent dean will begin immediately, Benoit said.
