SUBJECT:

Appointment of Director, Animal Subjects Program

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Marilyn Torchia as Director of the Animal Subjects Program. Marilyn succeeds Marky Pitts, who retired at the end of December 2003.

Marilyn Torchia has over twenty years of experience in animal care, welfare, and research. She has been a licensed veterinarian for over 20 years since receiving her Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. Marilyn's career has encompassed serving on three different Animal Care and Use Committees in both academia and industry. Most recently, she served for three years as the Attending Veterinarian and Head of the Animal Care and Use Program at Pfizer, La Jolla. Previously, for thirteen years, Marilyn was the Director of the Animal Facility at UCSF's Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Marilyn will provide the leadership in strategic planning, policy formulation, best practice, and compliance with federal and State laws and regulations necessary to ensure UCSD's appropriate and successful use of animals in research and teaching.

We are fortunate to have Marilyn Torchia leading the Animal Subjects Program. Please join me in welcoming her to UCSD. Marilyn can be reached at 534-6968, mtorchia@ucsd.edu, or mail code 0071.

Richard Attiyeh Vice Chancellor for Research Dean, Graduate Studies