Irvine : Lenhoff Will Chair UCI Academic Senate

Howard M. Lenhoff, professor of biological sciences at UC Irvine, has been elected chair of the UCI faculty-representative body, the Academic Senate. He will begin his two-year term on Sept. 1, succeeding Spencer Olin, a history professor.

The 804-member Academic Senate authorizes and approves all courses and recommends requirements for admissions, certificates and degrees to the UC Board of Regents. The Academic Senate also advises the university administration on faculty appointments, promotions and budgets.

Lenhoff, a biochemist, joined the UCI faculty in 1969 as associate dean in the School of Biological Sciences. In 1971 he became dean of UCI’s graduate division, and since 1986 he has served as special assistant to the vice chancellor of student affairs.

Lenhoff’s recent research has focused on how enzymes act in the solid state. He also has done recent scholarly research on the contributions of the 18th-Century Swiss biologist Abraham Trembley.