Frank Markland

Frank Markland, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, has stepped down from his role as associate dean for scientific affairs of the Keck School of Medicine, after four years of contributions to innovative programs. Effective April 30, Markland will re-focus his attention on his productive research program.

During his service as associate dean, beginning in 2004, Markland helped junior faculty secure funding in an increasingly competitive research environment. He designed a position for a scientific grants writer and worked to establish the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

More recently, Markland was instrumental in establishing collaborations that led to USC’s initial funding for stem cell research from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

“This position came about unexpectedly for me and I really enjoyed it,” said Markland. “I learned a lot and wish the new team great success in their future endeavors.”

The Keck School’s new office of research advancement is headed by Elizabeth Fini, who joined the Keck faculty Feb. 29 as senior associate dean for research advancement.

“Dr. Markland has made significant contributions to the support of the Keck School’s research enterprise during a time of transition and opportunity,” Fini said. “We are grateful for his contributions, upon which we will build.”

A veteran of the Keck School faculty since 1973, Markland served as acting chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from 1986 to 1988. He also led the Medical Faculty Assembly in 1982.

Markland’s research in centers on seeking medical applications for compounds found in snake venom, including breaking up blood clots and fighting cancer.

Markland is now writing grants to expand his research to look at different anti-angiogenic approaches.

He remains active in this year’s competition for awards from the Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation and the Wright Foundation, both of which provide funding for junior faculty to further their research and position them for larger scale funding from the National Institutes of Health and other government agencies.