Gene D. Block
Professor of Biology
Director, NSF Center for Biological Timing
Vice President for Research and Public Service, University of Virginia gdb@virginia.edu
 

Gene D. Block is the Alumni Council Thomas Jefferson Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia . He also serves as the Vice President and Provost. A native of Monticello , New York , he received his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and his Ph.D. at the University of Oregon . After postdoctoral training back at Stanford he was appointed assistant professor of Biology at the University of Virginia in 1978. As a scientist, Mr. Block has gained recognition for his research into the cellular and neural mechanisms by which organisms adjust sleep and wakefulness to the day and night cycle. His most recent project addresses the effects of jet lag on longevity in aged mammals. He was the founding director of the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center in Biological Timing. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was a visiting fellow of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science.

Prior to becoming Provost, Mr. Block was Vice President for Research and Public Service. As VP for Research, Mr. Block was involved in the formation of Virginia Gateway, a University/community liaison office charged with developing closer ties amongst the University of Virginia , regional technology businesses and local government. In recognition of Dr. Block's efforts in public service, Governor Gilmore presented him in 1998 with the Commonwealth Outstanding Public Service Award. Mr. Block and his wife, Carol, reside in Albemarle County . They have two children.

December 2006