P00-13 FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Media: 301-827-6242 May 23, 2000 Consumer Inquiries:888-INFO-FDA
Commissioner of Food and Drugs Jane E. Henney, M.D., today announced the appointment of Daniel A. Casciano, Ph.D., as the director of FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR).
The Center, located in Jefferson, Ark., conducts peer-reviewed fundamental and applied scientific research that supports and anticipates FDA's regulatory needs. "Dan Casciano brings unique and important qualities to the NCTR directorship," said Dr. Henney. "He has a vision for the future of NCTR that reflects his deep understanding of the scientific needs of the agency and the Center. During his many years of service, he has built a strong working relationship with other parts of FDA as well as with the academic and local community in Arkansas."
Dr. Casciano began his career with FDA in 1973 as a research biologist at NCTR. From 1979 until last year, he was responsible for directing, planning, and evaluating scientific research of NCTR's Division of Genetic and Reproductive Toxicology, which has received international recognition for innovation in the field of genetic toxicology.
Last June, Dr. Casciano was appointed NCTR's deputy director for research, and since September, he has served as the Center's acting director. A leader in the fields of genetic toxicology and molecular biology, Dr. Casciano has received several FDA awards, including an Equal Opportunity Achievement Award for his dedication toward achieving a diverse work force.
Dr. Casciano earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Canisius College, Buffalo, N.Y., and a Ph.D. in cell biology from Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind. Since 1990, he has served as a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark.
Dr. Casciano replaces Bernard Schwetz, D.V.M., Ph.D., who until last September served as NCTR's director and FDA's Senior Advisor for Science. Since then, Dr. Schwetz has been FDA's Acting Deputy Commissioner while continuing to serve as the agency's Senior Advisor for Science.
Office of Public Affairs
Hypertext uploaded by tg 2000-MAY-23.