New neuroscience lab planned for MBNI
A new Medical School neuroscience research wet laboratory and procedure room will be created in the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute Building. Approximately 7,000 gross square feet of office and support space on the first level will be renovated to create the new lab, which is scheduled to be available next winter. The Medical School will fund the $1.6 million project budget and the Architecture, Engineering and Construction department will provide the design.
Renovations OK’d for Geriatrics Center offices
The recent merger of the Geriatrics Center with the Institute of Gerontology includes combining the administrative staff and faculty offices of the two areas. Space on the ninth floor of the 300 N. Ingalls Building will be renovated this fall to accommodate the merged administrative functions. The Medical School will fund the $1.5 million project budget and the Architecture, Engineering and Construction department will provide the design.
$4.6M budget increase for FNR decommissioning
The regents approved increasing the budget for the Ford Nuclear Reactor decommissioning project by $4.6 million, for a total of $14.4 million. The funding will be provided by University investment proceeds. The multi-year project to decommission the reactor, which ceased operations in July 2003, is on schedule and has been successful in terms of safety, health and shutdown of the reactor operations. Officials anticipate the final step of the process — termination of the license by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission — will be accomplished in 2008. The total project costs have exceeded the original budget due to two major factors — the concrete removal of the old reactor pool walls and floor took substantially more effort than originally anticipated, which in turn delayed other activities, and the waste disposal costs exceeded estimates because of increased rates and added costs.
Tunnel replacement effort to continue
As part of a multi-year master plan to replace deteriorating sections of the underground utility tunnel on Central Campus, the regents approved a project to replace approximately 320 feet of tunnels in two sections near the Diag. The project, which is scheduled for completion next winter, includes maintaining operation of the steam, condensate and water supplies during construction. The engineering firm of Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber will design the project. Utilities resources will fund the $6.1 million budget.
Martha Cook residence hall to get new roof
The slate roof on the Martha Cook Building, a five-story residence hall for women, will be replaced this summer. The existing roof is original to the 92-year-old building. Approximately half of the existing slate will be retained after removal and reinstallation. Housing resources will fund the $2.2 million project, which will be designed by Simpson Gumpertz and Heger Inc.
Brighton property purchase authorized
The Hospitals and Health Centers will increase expansion options in Brighton if a property purchase is completed as scheduled Feb. 18. The regents approved the purchase of a 32.47-acre parcel of vacant land at Karl Greimel Drive and Challis Road, subject to a satisfactory environmental assessment and other due diligence. The property is adjacent to the existing Brighton Health Center. Potential uses of the site include future development of a new specialty and diagnostic facility with clinical space for Medical School training programs and clinical trials and expansion of diagnostic and outpatient services. Hospitals and Health Centers’ resources will fund the $6,986,250 purchase price.
Administrative appointments
Steven Dworkin, director, English Language Institute, LSA, effective Jan. 1, 2008-June 30, 2009.
David Engelke, associate dean for academic program and initiatives, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, effective Jan. 1, 2008-June 30, 2011.
Marcia Inhorn, professor of anthropology, LSA, effective Jan. 1.
Sandra Gunning, change in appointment and transfer of tenure to professor of English Language and Literature, with tenure, and professor of Afroamerican and African studies, with tenure, LSA, effective Jan. 1.
Dearborn Campus
Brian Green, Richard E. Czarnecki Collegiate Professor, School of Management, effective Jan. 1, 2008-Dec. 31, 2010.Kim Schatzel, dean, School of Management and promotion to professor of management studies, with tenure, effective Jan. 1.
Flint Campus
Eric Freedman, chair, Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, effective Jan. 1-June 30, 2008.
Faculty appointments, promotions with tenure
Dr. Marilia Cascalho, associate professor of surgery, Medical School, effective Jan. 1.
Mary Gallagher, associate professor of political science, LSA, effective Jan. 1.
Dr. José Jalife, the Cyrus and Jane Farrehi Professor of Cardiovascular Research, and professor of internal medicine, Medical School, effective Jan. 1.
Dr. Jeffrey Platt, professor of surgery, Medical School, effective Jan. 1.
Edwin Romeijn, professor of industrial and operations engineering, College of Engineering, effective Sept. 1, 2008.
Euisik Yoon, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science, College of Engineering, effective Sept. 1, 2008.
