Levine

Gilbert E. Levine, professor emeritus of biological and environmental engineering, became interim director of the university's Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies Jan. 1. His term runs through June 30. Levine succeeds Nicolas van de Walle, the John S. Knight Professor of International Studies in the Department of Government, who had served as director since January 2004.

Levine received his bachelor's degree (1949) and Ph.D. (1952) from Cornell and joined the faculty of the Department of Agricultural Engineering in 1952. He retired from Cornell as professor emeritus in 1983 and joined the Ford Foundation in India, where he served as coordinator for the foundation's Rural Poverty and Resources Program until 1986. Since then he has served in various capacities for Cornell's Center for the Environment and the Center for International Studies.

"Those of us who are concerned about international studies at Cornell are fortunate that Gil has agreed to step in during this transition," said Alice Pell, vice provost for international relations. "Gil brings to this position a breadth of interests and experience that will enable him to work effectively with groups across the campus to ensure that our strengths in international studies are preserved and enhanced."

Levine served several stints as acting director of the Einaudi Center as well as its Fulbright adviser since 2006. He will chair the search for a permanent director during the spring semester.

The Einaudi Center was founded in 1961 to enhance the international dimensions of Cornell's curriculum and facilitate interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching.