Brian Coombes has been named acting chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences.

The appointment is effective Sept. 1, 2017 until March 1, 2018.

Coombes, a McMaster alumnus, is a professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences. He also holds the Canada Research Chair in Infectious Disease Pathogenesis and is a University Scholar.

He joined the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University in 2006. His research focuses on enteric bacteria associated with acute and chronic human diseases.

Coombes succeeds former chair Karen Mossman, who was recently appointed the University's associate vice-president, research.