Educating Scientists

Tom Resta, PhD, Named Senior Associate Dean for Research Education in UNM School of Medicine

Tom Resta, PhD, a professor in The University of New Mexico's Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, has been named the senior associate dean for research education in the UNM School of Medicine.

He will assume leadership of the School of Medicine's research education programs on July 1, taking over for Nancy Kanagy, PhD, who was recently named chair of the Department of Cell Biology & Physiology.

"Dr. Resta has been actively involved in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP) and medical student education for a number of years and the leader of the cardiovascular research training program," said Martha Cole McGrew, MD, executive vice dean of the School of Medicine.

"His vision for the program, including the recruitment of diverse New Mexico students into science careers, growing the research education programs, addressing the needs of post-doctoral students and collaborating across departments were strong points in his selection."

He said he is looking forward to the new challenge.

"I have witnessed and contributed to the evolution of our research education programs since their inception, and am excited to have the opportunity to lead the continued growth and success of biomedical research education at UNM," he said.

He received his PhD in 1995 from UNM and remained on as a postdoctoral fellow before joining the Cell Biology & Physiology faculty as a research assistant professor in 1998. He was promoted to professor in 2012.

His research has focused on the mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive lung diseases, sleep apnea and high altitude exposure.

He has been actively involved as a mentor and teacher in the BSGP, the MD/PhD Program, the Undergraduate Pipeline Network and the medical curriculum for many years.

In 2017 he was presented the William G. Dail Award for outstanding and lasting contributions as a teacher, mentor and leader in the medical and graduate education programs. Most recently, he was awarded the Faculty Research Excellence Award for Basic Science Research, the highest research recognition award bestowed by the UNM Health Sciences Center.