Under the microscope

Dean's scientific background drives plans

By: Caitlin Dewey

Posted: 9/11/08

At first glance, George Langford is an intimidating figure. Seated in the reception area of his new office suite, Langford speaks in measured tones about science, higher education and his plans for The College of Arts and Sciences. He answers questions precisely, and neither his intonation nor his expression change. He periodically reaches for a coffee mug on the table, but aside from that makes no other movement.

But when talking about his research, Langford's entire manner changes.

"I just want to remind everyone that I'm a scientist," he said. "I'm interested in proteins in cells that are responsible for transporting materials from one part of the cell to the other."

His voice warms audibly as he explains his research, which may have implications for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

"I will have a research laboratory in the new Life Sciences Complex, and I'm looking forward to that," he said. "I haven't moved my equipment yet from the University of Massachusetts, so I can't show … the equipment."

Langford will celebrate his one-month anniversary as dean of The College of Arts and Sciences today. But for the nationally recognized neuroscientist and cell biologist, the real celebration won't begin until he's at work on his plans for the college, including strengthening its science programs.

"I'm very excited to be at Syracuse University," Langford said. "We have so many things going on in the college right now… it's going to be a great year."

Langford has worked in higher education since he completed his post-doctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania in 1973. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Fayetteville State University and a master's degree and Ph.D. in cell biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Echoing comments from his April meet-and-greet with students, Langford said his top priority is strengthening SU's physical sciences, such as physics and chemistry, and its quantitative sciences, such as computer science and math.

"What we know is that this country is under-producing scientists … and that we have identified the sciences as an area where we need more students," Langford said. "It's important that we build strength in those areas, and in some of the areas that we know we are growing in - for example, the life sciences."

Langford said he is "really excited" about growth in the college's science department, citing the Life Sciences Complex, the new major in forensic science and a biomaterials initiative with the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science as examples of progress. At the same time, he reassured humanities and social sciences students that their programs would not be forgotten.

"This will not defocus the humanities," Langford said. "We will always have strong programs in the humanities and social sciences … if we are going to be one of the best Arts and Sciences colleges in the nation, then clearly we have to have both strong arts and sciences."

Academic bridges have actually become something of a specialty for Langford. As dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at UMass Amherst, he initiated a series of interdisciplinary courses, projects and programs that blurred the lines between traditional academic fields. It is a model that he intends to replicate at SU.

"I believe the breakthroughs of the future will happen at the intersections between disciplines," Langford said. "Take the issue of sustainability and climate change … there is a lot of work on that issue in the social sciences. At the same time, we need (hard) science to look for alternative energy sources. I would like to see collaboration across departments - a new set of courses that integrate the two."

That's a proposal that has already excited many Arts and Sciences students.

"I think interdisciplinary courses are a fabulous idea," said Emily Friedman, a junior international relations and biology major. "People think I'm strange because I'm doing international relations and biology together, but I want to work in medicine in Africa - I couldn't just take biology and go over there and be able to help out. In some ways you can't have a science without humanity. The things that are happening in science have implications for the world as a whole."

Langford said the Arts and Sciences core curriculum, as well as the course requirements for individual majors, could change as a result of the interdisciplinary program. And while he said it is much too early for that program to take effect - none of the changes will affect current students - he has already begun to work with students on other initiatives, like the Transnational Asian Studies Program.

Even in this new position, Langford said he won't forget his original passion: cell biology. He has spent much of his life researching the transport proteins in nerve cells, which may play a role in learning and memory.

"It will be a real challenge to find time for my research, but I think it's important for the dean to be an active scholar," he said. "I'll certainly make time for that."

cedewey@syr.edu