Blanton Tolbert, professor in the Department of Chemistry, was recently named the incoming chairperson of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (OARAC). 

OARAC provides advice to the director of the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) in regards to the planning, coordination and evaluation of research and other HIV/AIDS activities conducted or supported by the NIH. In addition to these responsibilities, Tolbert will run the council’s meetings and sit on ad hoc committees, like the COVID-19 task force that he is currently a part of.

Before becoming a permanent member of the council in May 2019, Tolbert served the committee in an ad hoc capacity. He is excited to have the opportunity to make an impact on aspects of HIV/AIDS research as it relates to basic science, because he is a basic scientist. 

“It’s a pleasure to be recognized as an emerging leader in this area,” Tolbert said. “I’m very excited about this opportunity because it has opened up and will continue to open up other leadership opportunities. It also gives me a chance to have an impact on aspects of HIV/AIDS research as it relates to basic science.”