Welcome to Miami … and to the University of Miami … Leonidas Bachas !
Dr 
Leonidas Bachas, the distinguished analytical and biological chemist who has been highly recruited by UM, was just named the new Dean of the University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences. UM’s news release announces the appointment of Leonidas Bachas officially being July 1st.
UM President Donna E. Shalala says, “Dr. Bachas is a highly respected scientist with a strong background in education and administration. The College of Arts and Sciences will benefit greatly from his experience in academic leadership as well as from his multidisciplinary approach to the humanities and scientific research.”
Thomas J. LeBlanc, UM’s Executive Vice President and Provost, considers Bachas “a brilliant strategic thinker and a problem solver with a keen analytic mind” and an understanding of ” the importance of the liberal arts in a research university and a strong advocate for our College of Arts and Sciences.”
Bachas, former Chemistry Chair and Associate Dean for University of Kentucky (with particular interest in nanoscience, biofuel cells, microfabricated analytical systems, and tissue regeneration) is coming to Florida as Dean of the University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences (to focus on climate change, energy, life sciences, global health, and social problems).
“A brilliant scientist” according to UM School of Education Dean Isaac Prilleltensky, who chaired the search committee that selected Bachas, with a “deep knowledge of higher education and a great appreciation for the humanities and the social sciences. He will be a highly valued colleague among deans and an exceptional leader.”
Bachas holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Athens, Greece, along with a master’s degree in chemistry and oceanic sciences and a Ph.D in chemistry from the University of Michigan, where he was a postdoctoral research fellow. .
His wife, Sylvia Daunert, Gill Eminent Professor of Analytical and Biological Chemistry in UK’s College of Arts and Sciences, leading a research group that focuses on using recombinant DNA technology to develop new bioanalytical techniques, was just appointed Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for UM’s Miller School of Medicine.
Sylvia and Leonidas, we are delighted to welcome you, and your family to Miami!
