Monday August 2, 2010
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students
I am pleased to announce that Dr Ronald Kaplan has agreed to serve the Chicago Medical School (CMS)
in the capacity of Vice Dean for Research. Dr. Kaplan received his B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. in
Biology/Biochemistry from New York University and trained as a postdoctoral-fellow at Johns Hopkins
School of Medicine. Prior to arriving at CMS Dr. Kaplan was a tenured professor in the Department of
Pharmacology at the College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama.
Dr. Kaplan currently is a tenured professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology and the Director of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Structural Biology
Laboratories. His research interests are centered around the structural basis of transporter function with a
particular focus on mitochondrial transport. His work is currently supported by NIH.
I expect Dr. Kaplan will be an excellent advocate and steward for the basic science departments and
research endeavors throughout the medical school. I am sure he will receive your support as he
continues in his previous roles as well as serving the medical school in this new capacity.
Dr. Ken Neet will continue to serve in his role as Associate Dean for Research at the medical school and
will report to the Vice Dean of Research. His efforts in part, have focused on connecting our scientists
with students, residents and clinical partners. Dr. Neet has done a wonderful job and remains an
important part of the Dean’s office.
Together, Drs. Kaplan and Neet will be outstanding advocates and ambassadors for researchers and
scientists throughout the medical school.
Regards,
Dr. Tomkowiak
John Tomkowiak MD, MOL
Acting Dean
Chicago Medical School
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science