Charlene Wolf-Hall has been named head of NDSU’s Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences.

Wolf-Hall, a professor in the department, begins her duties Oct. 16.

"Dr. Wolf-Hall brings a number of very positive skills and experiences to the position, and I am sure that she will provide excellent leadership for the department," says Ken Grafton, interim vice president for Agriculture and University Extension, director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and dean of NDSU's College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Wolf-Hall joined NDSU as a laboratory technician in 1996 and became an assistant professor in 1997, an associate professor in 2004 and a full professor in 2010.

She has taught an extensive range of food science and food safety courses, including Food Microbiology and Food Toxicology, and advises graduate students.

She also serves half time as assistant dean for the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies, is on the leadership team for NDSU FORWARD (Focus on Resources for Women's Advancement, Recruitment/Retention and Development) and is a Food Systems Leadership Institute Fellow. From September 2006 to August 2007, she served as interim director of NDSU's Great Plains Institute of Food Safety.

Her research focuses on foodborne molds, mycotoxins and grain microbiology.

She earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees in microbiology from South Dakota State University, Brookings, and her doctorate in food science and technology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"I am very excited about this new role in this terrific department and very grateful for the support of the many students, staff, collaborators, colleagues, mentors, coaches, friends and family who have had roles in my professional development and advancement," Wolf-Hall said.