Richard Yost
New Associate Dean
This article was originally published in the April 2001 issue of CLASnotes.
Richard Yost, chemistry professor and head of the analytical chemistry division, is the new CLAS associate dean for research. Neil Sullivan held the position until assuming his duties as interim dean.
Yost received his BS degree in chemistry from the University of Arizona in 1974, and in 1975 he began graduate studies in analytical chemistry under a NSF graduate fellowship at Michigan State University, focusing on electronics and computerized instrumentation. After completing his PhD in 1979, Yost assumed the position of assistant professor of chemistry at UF. His current research interests center on instrumental developments, fundamental studies, and analytical applications of tandem mass spectrometry.
Sullivan says Yost's abilities will help intensify the already strong research programs in the college. "Richard Yost's knowledge of modern research trends across broad fields of study and his keen sense of how to bring teams of researchers together will help CLAS move forward aggressively with the growth of its research activities, both large and small."
I am excited about my appointment as associate dean for research in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As my predecessors in this office, Jim Dufty and Neil Sullivan, have clearly shown, this is a stimulating position that offers opportunities to make real contributions to the research and educational roles of our college. During my 21 years on the UF faculty, I have maintained an active research program in analytical chemistry, supervising the research of 64 graduate students (57 PhD and 7 MS) with external funding of more than $4 million from a variety of federal, state, and private sources. My research continues to include substantial collaborations with colleagues in CLAS, IFAS, engineering, and the medical school. My current research group includes 12 PhD students and one MS student, which keeps me busy in the afternoons when I am back in the chemistry department.
This is a time of great opportunity for research and graduate education in CLAS. The UF Graduate Growth Initiative provides opportunities for increased graduate enrollment and research throughout the college. I envision a number of areas in which I can develop the role of CLAS associate dean for research. My overall objective is to further my colleagues' abilities to set and realize new goals in scholarship and research sponsorship. Specific areas I would like to expand include:
- use of UF resources such as the Research and Graduate Programs (RGP) Opportunity Fund
- promotion of increased interdisciplinary research efforts (both within CLAS departments and centers and between CLAS and other colleges)
- review of utilization and effectiveness of indirect cost returns at CLAS and departmental levels
- opportunities for recognizing the efforts of our faculty, including external and internal awards such as Term Professorships
I look forward to the opportunity to enhance the promotion of and environment for research and graduate education in CLAS, and to represent our interests to the RGP, other colleges around UF, and funding agencies. These are exciting times with a wealth of new opportunities. I find it rewarding to be able to contribute in this way to the college. I look forward to seeing old friends among the CLAS faculty and making new ones. Please drop by, whether to get a signature on a proposal or to discuss opportunities for internal and external support for your research.
Credits
Writer
Richard Yost
Photo
Jane Dominguez
