We are thrilled to announce that Aaron Putzke, Ph.D. will join the Murdock Trust in July as Vice President of Scientific Research Grants & Programming, following a national search to fill the role.
“Throughout the process, Aaron showed himself to be the right person to continue and advance the work of the Trust’s grantmaking and programming to strengthen the scientific research sector of the Trust,” says Pauline Fong, Chief Program & Impact Officer at the Murdock Trust. “He has extensive research experience, a visionary leadership style – especially in inter-disciplinary and innovative collaborations – and a passion for STEM education at all levels. We are thrilled to see him lead us into a new season of supporting and catalyzing scientific breakthroughs that contribute to human flourishing.”
Aaron comes to the Trust following a position as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Director of Brewing Science and Operations, and Professor of Biology at Whitworth University, a longtime partner of the Trust, in Spokane, WA. Prior to his decade at Whitworth, Aaron spent five years at Hope College in Holland, MI, and five years at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara; an M.S. in Biochemistry from DePaul University; and a B.S. in Chemistry from Pepperdine University.
In addition to his extensive scientific research and interdisciplinary collaborations, Aaron also serves as the board president of the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research. His work strengthening STEM education and efforts to support under-represented groups in science make him a strong fit for the Trust’s investment in many levels of scientific education and research.
“I am thrilled to join this team committed to using science to advance solutions and serve the common good,” says Aaron. “I believe deeply in the future of this region’s scientific research community and cannot wait to join hands with so many people across the Pacific Northwest committed to a similar vision.”
Please join us in warmly welcoming Aaron to our team!