In an effort to boost research excellence and provide faculty with a research consultant, the Education School recently named its first associate dean for research and faculty development.
Daniel Berch, former associate chief of the child development and behavior branch at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, will fill the new position, Education School Dean Robert Pianta said.
"Dan comes with a wealth of experience in every area of the position," Pianta said, noting that Berch's qualifications stood out from those of the other candidates.
Berch said he is excited by the opportunities his new job offers.
"Developing this position, which is somewhat unique, represents the dean's and the school's vision to attain an even higher level of research excellence," Berch said.
Berch explained that his new position deals with both the administrative and developmental aspects of educational research. On the administrative side, Berch said he will work to establish a research grant infrastructure.
"This position centralizes activities and provides organization," Berch said, adding that the position gives faculty members a "go-to person" for questions about research and grants.
Berch also noted, though, that his job will not solely be concerned with funding and development opportunities. He said in addition to working to attain higher funding levels, he will mentor junior faculty members -- a responsibility Pianta said is a key part of the recently created position.
"It's important to get new faculty started on building a program of support and help them with research," Pianta said.
In addition to his experience at NICHD, Berch previously served as an executive branch science policy fellow for the Society for Research in Child Development, which funded his research, according to a University press release. After leaving that position, Berch was appointed senior research associate at the U.S. Department of Education, the release stated.
Although Berch has only been at the University for a week, he said he already feels at home in Charlottesville.
"In the short time I've been here, it's been a very congenial and welcoming environment," he said.
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