Alongside the university announcement that Dr. Aaron Roberts has been appointed to serve as associate vice president of research came the equally exciting news that Dr. Amie Lund, associate professor of environmental toxicology, will now lead AERI. Dr. Lund worked closely alongside Roberts as the associate director of AERI and is the first woman to lead one of UNT's four Institutes of Research Excellence.

Dr. Lund's research discoveries in investigating air pollution and obesity have been recognized nationally, and she was recently funded through a three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. Lund earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Kansas State University and a doctoral degree in philosophy and biomedical sciences with an emphasis in toxicology from the University of New Mexico.

"I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the director of AERI. Our institute includes a diverse and innovative group of scientists leading the way in collaborative environmental research and a fantastic staff whose support helps us succeed," Lund said. "I have worked with Aaron on many research projects and graduate student committees. As the associate director of AERI, we worked together leading the efforts of AERI. So, this feels like a very natural transition for me to continue to build on his many accomplishments."

Lund said her goal as director of AERI is to provide resources and support to help grow its membership and offer increased opportunities for interdisciplinary research and scientific discovery related to pressing environmental issues. She also plans to promote increased opportunities for student research.

"One of my main goals will be to focus on integrating research and education by providing more mentored-research opportunities for our students to be actively involved in all aspects of environmental research," Lund said. "It's important to provide translational training opportunities that prepare our future scientists, workforce and policymakers to address challenging environmental, sustainability and injustice issues in novel ways."

With the appointments made this week it was also announced that Chandra Donnell Carey, associate professor of rehabilitation and health services in the College of Health and Public Service will serve in a newly created, yearlong appointment as a faculty fellow.

"I am delighted to welcome these three faculty members to our leadership team," said McLellan, who joined UNT two years ago and has been working toward growing the university's research portfolio and providing better research experiences for all UNT faculty and staff. "Their combined breadth of knowledge about all things UNT will be invaluable to me as we continue to expand and strengthen our vibrant research enterprise. Their strong collaborative abilities and commitment to advancing the university's research mission will help to ensure that service to faculty remains foremost in our minds."

Read the full news release at UNT News