February 20, 2008

Biochemistry researcher named new department head

Clint Chapple
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Chapple will assume the position in the 17-member Department of Biochemistry during the current spring semester. He replaces Jim Forney, department head since February 2001, who is returning to full-time teaching and research.

"With his unwavering commitment, Jim has overseen a period of great and significant growth of the department," said Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. "We know that he'll continue playing a vital role in biochemistry as he devotes more time to his role as a mentor to students and to the continuance of his research."

Chapple will build on some initiatives Forney put in motion, Woodson said.

"As a leading research biochemist and an outstanding educator, Clint Chapple brings tremendous experience and leadership skills to the position of department head," Woodson said. "He leads an internationally renowned research program aimed at more easily converting plants into such things as biofuel, which is of vital importance to the growing alternative energy industry.

"Clint is an award-winning teacher who is recognized because of his innate ability to make biochemistry relevant and fun for students."

During his tenure as department head, Chapple plans to put particular emphasis on the department's undergraduate program and finding additional research funding for the faculty.

"I'm honored to have the support and trust of the Department of Biochemistry's students, staff and faculty to work on these new challenges," said Chapple, who the Purdue board of trustees last year named a Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry. "I want to build on the momentum Jim established for the undergraduate program."

To further develop the undergraduate program, Chapple said the department will conduct a complete curricular review. Currently the department has more than 80 undergraduate students.

"We must make sure that our curriculum continues to keep pace with the incredibly rapid rate that biological sciences, including biochemistry, are advancing," Chapple said. "Our curriculum must challenge the students and equip them to be successful upon graduation."

Department of Biochemistry scientists study biochemical reactions, molecular biology and molecular genetics that are related to human, plant and animal health, including growth, cancer, and infectious and genetic diseases. The department has 17 full-time faculty members and one adjunct professor who are currently teaching and researching, as well as 10 emeritus professors. 

Chapple also plans to foster collaborations as one important element in obtaining additional funding to help the department's scientists expand their research.

"Another important goal is to ensure that our faculty succeeds in the current incredibly competitive funding environment," he said. "A key to this success will be establishing new collaborations within the department and the College of Agriculture as well as across campus, particularly with researchers in Discovery Park-based centers and the Cancer Center."

Chapple, who came to Purdue in 1993, has an active research program that focuses on understanding and manipulating a compound in cell walls called lignin that contributes to plants' structural strength, but which hinders conversion of plants into other materials. He already has found ways to change lignin content to improve processing of wood pulp for paper production.

Currently he is investigating additional ways to alter lignin so that cellulose from plants such as poplar trees can be used for producing the alternative transportation fuel ethanol.

Chapple is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has served as president of the Phytochemical Society of North America. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in botany, and his doctoral degree in chemistry, all from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Writer: Susan A. Steeves, (765) 496-7481, ssteeves@purdue.edu

Source: Randy Woodson, 765) 494-8391, woodson@purdue.edu

Clint Chapple, (765) 494-0494, chapple@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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