Annaliese Franz, associate professor of chemistry, has been named the new faculty director of the Undergraduate Research Center.

“Dr. Franz brings commitment, experience and vision to this position,” said David Furlow, associate dean of Undergraduate Education, and a professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior. He said Franz has “an outstanding record of mentoring students in research.”

“She has demonstrated departmental and campuswide leadership through her service on the Undergraduate Council of the Academic Senate and as vice chair for Undergraduate Affairs for the chemistry department,” Furlow wrote in a memo announcing the appointment. “Dr. Franz has outlined an exciting, actionable vision for furthering undergraduate research as a key facet of a UC Davis education.”

Her appointment began Jan. 24 runs through June 2019. Her research, service and teaching in the chemistry department will continue throughout the term of her 50 percent appointment at the Undergraduate Research Center.

Audit Director ‘Jer’ Maher to retire

Jeremiah “Jer” Maher has announced he will retire in June from Audit and Management Advisory Services. He joined the unit as the associate director in 2007 and has been the director since 2011, overseeing Davis campus and UC Davis Health audit activities.

The audit director position reports directly to the Office of the Chancellor, which announced that Leslyn Kraus, associate director, will serve as the interim director pending a search for Maher’s permanent replacement.

Interim Chancellor Hexter praised Maher, noting, “Jer has always provided us with wise counsel and sound advice. Moreover, his good humor and sly wit have always added sparkle to conversations that might otherwise have been dreary.”

Maher will step down in late March and use accrued vacation until his official retirement date. He previously worked for US Steel and a large health system in Pennsylvania — spending half his career in internal audit and half in financial management, including several years as a chief financial officer.

“UC Davis has been such a wonderful opportunity for me,” Maher said. “It has truly been the highlight of my career. This is great institution with great leaders, faculty and staff. I hope I have played a role along with the rest of the audit team in making UC Davis even better.

“I am looking forward to retirement, traveling with my wife — and please tell my sons that some grandkids would be a nice!”

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