Gregory Pari, Ph.D., has been named chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He assumed his new role on July 1.

Previous to being named chair, Pari was a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the medical school. He received his doctorate degree in cell and molecular biology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1990. Before coming to UNR, Pari was director of virology at Hybridon, Inc. (now Idera Pharmaceuticals) and engaged in drug discovery research.

"Greg has gained the respect and trust of his faculty and he possesses the scientific standing to lead the group," said Ole J. Thienhaus, M.D., MBA, dean of the School of Medicine. "One of the tasks ahead for Greg will be to establish the optimal future configuration of his department. This task is integrated with larger strategic planning efforts for our curricular reform and restructuring of our basic science departments. I have complete confidence that Greg can move this process forward."

Pari's main research focus for the past 20 years involved the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication of herpesviruses. His laboratory is currently working with two herpesviruses: human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV8). He has authored more than 35 scientific articles on the subject of herpesvirus DNA replication and is currently funded by two National Institutes of Health grants.