Veterinary faculty member named acting chair of physiological sciences

Paul Davenport, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named acting chairman of the college's department of physiological sciences.

His appointment was effective Oct. 1. College Dean Glen Hoffsis appointed Davenport, who had been associate department chairman, to the acting chairman position after former department chairman, John Harvey, D.V.M., Ph.D., was named executive associate dean of the UF veterinary college.

A physiologist, Davenport's work focuses primarily on the study of animal and human behavioral control of breathing and respiratory rehabilitation.

His work relating to respiratory function has benefited Parkinson's patients, asthmatic children, U.S. Navy divers and the actor Christopher Reeve, among others.

Davenport was the recipient of the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. In 2003, he received the UF Research Foundation professorship, sponsored by the university's Division of Sponsored Research.

He has been a member of the UF veterinary college faculty since 1981.