Dec. 3, 2002

University of the West of England awards degree to VCU associate dean

Share this story

By Michael Ford
University News Services

The University of the West of England has awarded an honorary doctor of science degree to an associate dean in Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Medicine, for decades of research as a biomedical scientist and for fostering an international student exchange between the two universities.

As a researcher, Jan Frank Chlebowski, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics and associate dean for graduate education in the School of Medicine, has focused on the study of protein chemistry and enzymology -- the study of proteins produced by living organisms and their function as biochemical catalysts.

An ardent advocate of international cooperation, Chlebowski has coordinated a 16-year old exchange program that brings up to six UWE honor students to VCU for a year of study, emphasizing hands on laboratory experience. Students begin as the equivalent of juniors in the U.S. college system to take courses in their specialized area of interest and receive a high level of training in research techniques.

"This is recognition of the value placed on the quality and dedication of the VCU faculty in the School of Medicine who have been involved in training the visiting students from UWE," Chlebowski said. "We are pleased that a number of the students have returned to VCU for Ph.D. training and have contributed to the research enterprise as evidenced by their contribution to publications as undergraduates and VCU graduate students. The honorary degree really recognizes contributions from the students and colleagues at both institutions."

Recognized as a distinguished academic researcher of biomedical sciences, Chlebowski earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn., and earned his doctoral degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been a research associate at University College London in England, and Yale University in New Haven, Conn. Chlebowski has been a member of VCU's faculty since 1979.