BOONE, N.C. — After a national search for Appalachian State University’s vice provost for research, Dr. Ece Karatan, who has served in the interim capacity of the role since August 2018, has been named to the permanent appointment in the university’s Division of Academic Affairs. Her new position will take effect July 1.

“Dr. Karatan has many years of research experience working with grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH): National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and has served on multiple NIH review panels,” shared Dr. Darrell Kruger, provost and executive vice chancellor. “She values the importance of student participation in research and has an extensive history of collaborations with other faculty at Appalachian.”

As vice provost for research, Karatan will continue to be responsible for facilitating and expanding universitywide faculty- and student-based research/creative activities by obtaining necessary resources, developing administrative infrastructure, fostering intra-institutional and external collaborations, and building sustainable funding opportunities.

Additionally, she will oversee the work of campuswide research entities, including the units housed in Appalachian’s Office of Research: Sponsored Programs, Research Protections, Research Data Analysis, and Grants Resources and Services.

She will also chair the University Research Council; collaborate with the Special Funds Accounting unit in the Office of the Controller and other campus offices to increase the university’s research portfolio; and represent the provost and Division of Academic Affairs on university committees and at events.

“Over the last nine months, I have thoroughly enjoyed my position as the interim vice provost for research,” Karatan said. “I was absolutely thrilled to be offered the permanent position, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues across campus to enhance the research and creative endeavors enterprise at Appalachian.”

About Dr. Ece Karatan

Karatan received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Urbana, Illinois.

After earning her degrees, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Argonne National Laboratory and Tufts-New England Medical Center, performing research in biotechnology and microbiology, respectively.

She joined Appalachian’s Department of Biology as an assistant professor in 2005, was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2011, and was promoted to professor in 2016. Prior to joining the Division of Academic Affairs, Karatan had served as graduate program director in the Biology department since 2012.

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About the Division of Academic Affairs

The Division of Academic Affairs is responsible for student learning and success at Appalachian State University, including oversight of the university’s challenging academic curriculum, active classroom environments, and close collaboration between faculty members and students on scholarly activities. Academic Affairs encompasses the degree-granting College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Reich College of Education, Walker College of Business and Hayes School of Music; as well as the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School, the Honors College, University College and 12 other units that support the innovative, interdisciplinary and integrative academic experience for which Appalachian is known. Learn more at http://academicaffairs.appstate.edu.

About the Office of Research and Innovation

Appalachian State University’s Office of Research and Innovation supports the scholarly and creative activities of App State faculty, staff and students by expanding access to and facilitating the management of research opportunities. The office consists of four units: Grants Resources and Services, Sponsored Programs, Research Design and Analysis, and Research Protections. The office also collaborates with the university’s Special Funds Accounting on the fiscal management of awarded projects. Learn more at https://research.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at https://biology.appstate.edu.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.