KALAI MATHEE, MSc, PhD
Founding Chair & Professor
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
College of Medicine, Florida International
University, Miami, USA
|
Administrative
Philosophy & GOALS |
|
I was hired as the first founding faculty member in the newly formed College of Medicine in Summer 2007. I was honored when the Executive Associate Dean Joe Leigh Simpson asked me to serve as the Interim Chair of the Microbiology department. It is a privilege to serve as the Founding Chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID). As the Chair, I plan to build a department that adheres to the vision and mission of the College of Medicine, and Florida International University, at large. The major goal for MMID is to promote excellence in scholarship and education. To this end, we will recruit highly successful, well-funded researchers from diverse backgrounds whose research interests preferably focus on diseases associated with subtropical Florida. This will be in line with our COM mission of promoting the health of the south Florida community. In addition, this would become a vehicle to forge long-term collaborations with our Caribbean, Central and South American neighbors. An important aspect of building a new program and a new department is procuring funds for scholarships, seminar series, etc. To that effect, I have canvassed with potential donors not only for the department, but also for the college. To date I have one painting and one sculpture donated to the department by two celebrated artists Xavier Cortada and Nela Ochoa, respectively. The sculpture depicting DNA helix will be the permanent property of MMID whereas the painting has been donated for an auction. In addition, I am working with Robert J Smiddy Award committee to establish an excellence in research award for COM. The department will be governed with transparency and openness. This would promote direct communication and cooperation with the common goal of building an excellent and collegial department. Every faculty member recruited is expected to perpetuate honesty and integrity in their professional pursuits and personal interactions in advancing the vision and mission of the Department and the College. The Vision and Mission of MMID are as follows: Vision: To be a renowned department with national and international recognition for scholarship and education in infectious diseases. Mission: Establish a vibrant department that uncovers many mysteries of science, facilitates better understanding of infections and develops approaches that ameliorate diseases. The mission will be accomplished by: * Creating a supportive environment that impels excellence * Recruiting and retaining researchers engaged in highly competitive research * Fostering respect for individuality and diversity * Developing and providing access to state-of-the-art core facilities * Promoting local, national and international collaborative initiatives * Facilitating interdisciplinary research * Mentoring faculty members for academic excellence * Developing a multidisciplinary graduate program * Ensuring rigorous training of our graduates |