Dr. Klaus Stetzenbach will assume the position of director of the Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies effective Jan. 1. The Harry Reid Center is the research division of the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History at UNLV.

Stetzenbach has been employed by the Harry Reid Center since 1987 as a senior scientist and director of the research center's analytical chemistry laboratory.

The Harry Reid Center is UNLV's largest research center. It has a full-time staff of 45 scientists. The center employs 34 graduate and undergraduate students.

"Klaus Stetzenbach is an outstanding individual with a solid background in science and administration," according to Dr. Stephen L. Rice, associate provost for research.

Dr. Donald Baepler has served in the dual role of director of the museum and the Harry Reid Center since 1992. In recommending the appointment of Stetzenbach, Baepler said, "I am pleased that Klaus is willing to accept this appointment. Since 1981 the research center has had its own director except for the past four years, and this appointment restores our historic administrative structure. I look forward to working with Klaus to help bring new resources to the center."

Provost Douglas Ferraro indicated his appreciation for the service of Baepler in his dual roles and said, "I am looking forward to the continuing development of the Harry Reid Center as an outstanding research enterprise serving the needs of our many constituencies."