Students are gaining new opportunities to engage in scientific research thanks to a generous $1 million donation that established the first endowed chair position in the College of Science and Mathematics.

The newly established chair position will focus on genetics and molecular biology, supporting education and research that includes cell structure, molecular mechanisms of inheritance, gene expression and development.

The gift from the late Dr. Virginia Stammer Eaton led to the appointment of Dr. Joseph Ross as the inaugural Dr. Virginia Stammer Eaton Chair in Genetics and Molecular Biology this past spring.

Ross said creating the endowed chair position is transformative to students’ lives because it will ensure faculty members have the resources to impact many more students over multiple years.

“These benefits to students aren’t necessarily monetary; they can also include providing experiences and skills that will help them be more competitive in the job market after they graduate,” Ross said.

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