Ludden: Highly respected biochemist

Paul Ludden

05 June 2002 |

“I am very excited to be joining the College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley,” says Paul Ludden of his new job as dean.

“The broad range of expertise here — from plant genomics to forest ecology to agricultural economics — is impressive,” he says. “The college is extremely well-poised to address the wide spectrum of today’s important questions surrounding the management of our natural resources.”

A highly respected biochemist, Ludden, 51, has served the past three years as executive associate dean of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

A native Mid-Westerner, he is known for his expertise in microbial and plant biochemistry, and his studies of the role of enzymes in biological nitrogen fixation — work that helps lay the groundwork for advances in the development of non-polluting nutrients.

Chancellor Berdahl called Ludden “exceptionally well poised to create a compelling vision for the College of Natural Resources.” The new dean, he added, “…brings a very, very strong scientific reputation to the job, bringing his considerable expertise in the biological sciences to the arenas of natural resources and environmental sciences.”

Ludden will replace Richard Malkin, who has been serving a two-year post as interim dean of the college.