The new interim associate dean for research in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences plans to put his focus on undergraduate research.

David Oliver, professor of genetics, development and cell biology, said he would like to increase the amount of undergraduate research conducted at Iowa State.

“A lot of graduate students are involved in research; more and more of [undergraduate] students need to become involved in a research area,” Oliver said.

Oliver will officially take over the position Oct. 1.

Oliver described his new responsibilities as interim associate dean for research as supporting and increasing research efforts in the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Oliver outlined his plan for getting undergraduates involved in conducting more research, and said he wants students to tie together all subject matter they have focused on in their education in the university, which he referred to as a “capstone experience.”

A research paper or library project could be included in this activity, he said.

Oliver served as chairman of the former botany department for six years.

“Most of my background is in sciences,” Oliver said.

Michael Whiteford, interim dean of the LAS college, said Oliver’s sciences background was one of the major reasons he was such a good choice for the position.

“It seemed to make really good sense,” Whiteford said. “He has a good research record and he’s good with people.”

Oliver said there are many things he is excited about experiencing with this new position.

He said he is looking forward to reorganizing the biology program and working with a new faculty.

Oliver said it will also be good for him to get more involved with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences because it will allow him to learn parts other than just the sciences.