USU-Uintah Basin Biology Professor Promoted, Receives Tenure

Charles Hanifin, a Utah State University-Uintah Basin professor in the Department of Biology, is being promoted from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure. Hanifin’s teaching ability, research, and work mentoring students is a proven model that contributes to the excellent education at USU-Uintah Basin.
 
“Each year our campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt get better and better, and that’s seen in both the successes of our students and faculty members,” said James Taylor, USU-Uintah Basin executive director. “Charles has become a pivotal player in our biology department, and we’re happy his years of hard work is being recognized.”
 
In 2016, Hanifin was named USU-Uintah Basin’s faculty researcher of the year. Much of his research is dedicated to the evolutionary ecology of tetrodotoxin in salamanders. To give undergraduates more research experience, Hanifin spends much of his time mentoring students by including them with his research. Students Christine Wisell, Kris Pedersen and Angela Haslem have each been awarded the Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity (URCO) grant for their research while being mentored by Hanifin. He’s also continued to support youth in the STEM field through USU-Uintah Basin’s annual BaBoom Summer Science Camp.
 
“Charles has an aptitude for engaging students in his research and providing them with hands-on learning opportunities,” said Vice Provost Rich Etchberger. “The Uintah Basin is lucky to have him and we expect more regional campus faculty to follow his lead.”
 
Hanifin’s associate professorship with tenure will take effect July 1, 2018. As part of the Inaugural Lecture Series honoring faculty members who have completed the promotion and tenure process, Hanifin will give his inaugural lecture this fall. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Contact: Dana Rhoades, dana.rhoades@usu.edu