Robert Shadwick to head UBC Zoology

Robert Shadwick, internationally recognized for his research in animal physiology and biomechanics, has been appointed head of the Department of Zoology at UBC.

His appointment will take effect July 1, 2013.

"I’m delighted to be working with Bob to continue to strengthen zoology research and biology education at UBC," said Dean Simon Peacock in announcing the appointment.

"He is deeply committed to the department and will be an outstanding asset in advancing Zoology's undergraduate education, graduate training, research and outreach goals."

Shadwick earned his PhD in zoology from UBC in 1983, served as an assistant professor at the University of Calgary from 1985 to 1989, and subsequently as full professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. In 2005, he returned to UBC as a professor and Canada Research Chair in Integrative Animal Physiology. Since 2010, Shadwick has served as UBC's representative on the Management Council of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. 

The Faculty also extends its sincere thanks to Bill Milsom for his outstanding leadership of the department since 2002. "Zoology has made exceptional strides under Bill's decade of stewardship, including the construction of four modern research facilities for our scientists, the development of an innovative undergraduate biology program, and the opening of our Beaty Biodiversity Museum," added Peacock.


The Zoology Head Search Committee consisted of Ninan Abraham, Colin Brauner, Chris Harley, Carol Pollock, Lacey Samuels, Patrick Tamkee, David Toews and Ivy Wang.