Schurig:'Virginia Tech poised for collaborative research'

Blacksburg, Va.-Renowned researcher dr. gerhardt schurig has secured virginia-maryland regional college of veterinary medicine's top post, taking on the role of dean.

"We have accomplished a great deal in our first 25 years, but I believe we have enormous potential for growth and achievement in many established and emerging areas," Schurig says. "In particular, I believe our college is poised to play a vital role in Virginia Tech's rapidly developing collaborative research programs in the biomedical and life sciences."

Schurig replaces Dr. Peter Eyre, who resigned for health reasons in 2003 after serving as dean for 18 years. The new dean was selected following an international search, officials say.

Record of service

Schurig, a native of Chile and University of Chile veterinary college graduate, joined Virginia Tech in 1978 as assistant professor of veterinary science and became professor and head of the Department of Veterinary Biosciences in 1984. In 1987, he was named director of the Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases. Nine years later, he assumed duties as director of the college's International Program and director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Veterinary Education in Management and Public Health. In 2001, he was named the college's associate dean for research and graduate studies, and in July 2003 became interim director of the university's new Institute for Biomedical and Public Health Sciences.

"Dr. Schurig is an outstanding scholar with a long and distinguished record of service to the college and the university," says Mark McNamee, university provost and vice president for academic affairs. "His vision for the college and his commitment to excellence will ensure that the college's educational, research, professional, clinical and outreach programs will continue to grow and develop."

Accolades

Schurig, who received a master's degree and Ph.D. in immunology and pathogenic bacteriology from Cornell University, holds three U.S. patents. The longtime professor and veterinary immunologist in the college's Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology is renowned for his work in developing the RB-51 vaccine, adopted in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the official vaccine for bovine brucellosis, officials say.

Schurig has presented keynote talks and seminars throughout the world and has published more than 90 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He is a member of numerous professional societies, among them the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists and the American Society for Microbiology and has served on many national and international committees. He also has received a number of major teaching and research awards, including the 1986 Beecham Award for Research Excellence, the university says.