Dr. Aaron Roberts, professor of environmental toxicology in the College of Science and director of UNT's Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI), has been appointed to serve as associate vice president of research. He replaces Pamela Padilla, professor of biological sciences, who was recently appointed dean of College of Science. In addition, Dr. Amie Lund, associate professor of environmental toxicology, will now lead AERI.

Prior to his appointment as associate vice president for research Aaron Roberts, professor of environmental toxicology in the College of Science, spent the last two years as the director of the Advanced Environmental Research Institute. He is considered an expert on the fate and effects of chemical contaminants in freshwater and marine ecosystems. His research group has been funded by federal and state agencies as well as the private sector. Most recently, he secured a $300,000 award from Texas General Land Office (GLO) for toxicological studies that will inform oil spill response in the state.

Roberts earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Missouri and his master's and doctoral degrees in zoology from Miami-Ohio University. He completed his postdoctoral training in environmental toxicology at Clemson University.

"Aaron is an accomplished researcher, teacher and leader, and I am confident he will continue to build on the significant contributions made by Pam," McLellan said. "His deep scientific knowledge will serve us as well, as he steps in to manage a series of science core facilities, compliance issues and sponsored research development."

As associate vice president, his portfolio will include overseeing the management of UNT's shared instrumentation facilities across campus, working with advisory groups and directors of each facility, and assisting with the development, approval and implementation of partnership agreements with other universities, national labs and industry. Additionally, Roberts will be heavily involved in research development training and limited submissions, among other duties.

"To get this kind of opportunity at a Tier-One university doesn't happen every day, so I am very excited and honored. It's been fantastic working with Mark and the other institute directors over the last two years, as well as the faculty we collaborate with," Roberts said. "I hope to bring some lessons learned to my role as an administrator. I was very fortunate to work closely with Pam on a number of projects while I was the director of AERI and I hope that I can build on the things she has set in motion."

Read the full news release at UNT News