DURHAM, N.C. – Interim Dean Emily M. Klein today announced the appointment of Ram Oren, professor of ecology, as chair of the Nicholas School’s Environmental Sciences and Policy Division, effective July 1.

The Environmental Sciences and Policy Division’s academic and research programs stress an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem solving. They focus on four broad areas of concern: aquatic and atmospheric sciences; environmental chemistry and toxicology; ecosystem science and management; and environmental social sciences.

Oren’s expertise lies in forest hydrology and forest carbon balance, especially how forests both respond to, and affect, climate change. He directs research at the Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment in Duke Forest.

He succeeds Kenneth H. Reckhow, professor of water resources, as division chair.