By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 ext 281Source(s):
Mike Martin mvm@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, 352-392-1971
Eric Triplett ewt@ufl.edu, 352-392-1906
Edward Hoffman emh@ufl.edu, 352-392-1906
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Eric Triplett, a professor of plant physiology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, has been named chair of the University of Florida’s microbiology and cell science department.
Triplett succeeds Edward Hoffmann, who is retiring from UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences after more than 35 years of service, including 14 years as chair of the department.
In announcing the appointment, Mike Martin, UF vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said Triplett brings a wealth of experience in molecular microbial ecology and plant-microbe interactions to the department. Triplett assumed the new post on Sept. 30.
“Eric Triplett’s selection comes after an extensive nationwide search and evaluation of highly qualified candidates for this key leadership position,” Martin said. “We are pleased to have him join our faculty to direct important research and education programs in microbiology and cell science.”
Martin said the UF/IFAS department is unique because many of its research and education programs involve the health sciences and other disciplines. The microbiology and cell science department receives more than $8 million in research grants annually. Many undergraduates from the department go on to programs in the health sciences.
Earlier this year, Triplett received a Fulbright Award and was a visiting scholar at the Research School of Biological Sciences at the Australian National University in Canberra. He has authored numerous refereed scientific journal articles and has been an invited speaker at many international conferences on subjects ranging from biotechnology to nitrogen fixation.
Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin faculty, Triplett was an assistant professor in the plant pathology department of the University of California-Riverside from 1982 to 1987.
He completed his bachelor’s degree in biology at Rutgers University in 1976 and earned his master’s degree in botany and plant physiology from the University of Maryland in 1978. Triplett received his doctorate in agronomy and plant physiology from the University of Missouri in 1981. He also obtained post-doctoral experience in the laboratory of Professor Paul Ludden in the biochemistry department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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