Elliott M. Ross, Ph.D., a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacology for 40 years, has been promoted to Associate Dean for Basic Research. In this new role, Dr. Ross will oversee research support cores and the Scientific Integrity program, which guarantees that research is carried out with the highest standards of scientific rigor and ethical standards. He will also provide guidance and coordination of business service functions that directly impact research activities.

“My goal in this new position is to provide administrative support and encouragement for outstanding basic science research at UT Southwestern,” Dr. Ross said.

While he will spend most of his time on administrative activities, he will continue to perform duties in research and education, reporting to Joan Conaway, Ph.D., Vice Provost and Dean of Basic Research.

“Dr. Ross is an accomplished scientist with much experience and a deep knowledge of UT Southwestern. I am grateful to have the opportunity to partner with him to maintain and enhance UT Southwestern’s position at the forefront of biomedical research,” said Dr. Conaway, also Professor of Molecular Biology.

Dr. Ross’ research focuses on how cells use signaling proteins to integrate and amplify information from hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs that mimic these molecules. He conducts quantitative biochemical and biophysical studies of how G proteins – key nodes in cellular signaling circuits – convey information from diverse receptors to an array of intracellular regulatory networks. He designed and executed the research that resulted in the discovery of the first known G protein.

His recent research has examined how signal timing and signal intensity are independently regulated and how information is faithfully processed in cellular networks of multiple receptors, G proteins, and associated proteins.

Among his long history of contributions at UTSW, Dr. Ross led the Pharmacology Graduate Program and founded the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, which he directed for 10 years.

Dr. Ross also served on the UTSW Promotions and Tenure Committee for 15 years and currently chairs the Post-Tenure Review Committee. In 2016, he became the Research Integrity Officer and Assistant Dean of Scientific Integrity. Since 1999, he has chaired the institution-supported Core Laboratories Oversight Committee and directed the Biochemical Kinetics Core. Additionally, he is Associate Director for Shared Resources of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.