Ronald E. Yasbin, professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Texas at Dallas, has been named the new dean of the College of Sciences, UNLV President Carol C. Harter announced today May 12.

Yasbin, who was selected following a nationwide search, will begin work at UNLV on Sept. 1. He will replace Dean Fred Bachhuber, who will retire this summer after nearly 30 years of service with UNLV.

"Throughout his career, Ronald Yasbin has proven to be both an exemplary scholar and an academic leader in his field," Harter said. "His expertise will be invaluable as UNLV continues to build its reputation as one of the country's premier research institutions."

Yasbin has been a professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Texas at Dallas since 1995. From 1988 to 1995, he was professor of biological sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He previously taught at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry and at Penn State University. He is currently a member of several organizations, including the American Society for Microbiology, Environmental Mutagen Society, and the Genetics Society of America.

He earned his bachelor's degree in zoology from Penn State University, a master's degree in genetics from Cornell University, and a doctoral degree in microbiology from the University of Rochester.