Dr. John Konhilas Appointed as Interim Director of Health Sciences International

Nov. 7, 2023
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University of Arizona logo on a building surrounded by blue sky.

Earlier this year, John Konhilas, PhD, MS, AB was appointed as Interim Director for Health Sciences International, a department within the University of Arizona Health Sciences that works alongside Arizona International to expand and enhance global education initiatives.

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Interim Director of Health Sciences International Dr. John Konhilas

Photo courtesy of University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson

In this leadership role, Dr. Konhilas coordinates interprofessional relationships for the Health Sciences International global and online academic offerings, facilitating collaboration among various institutional representatives. He works closely in conjunction with the deans of the five Health Sciences colleges to achieve their distinct objectives and implement the University’s strategic plan to expand health sciences beyond the United States through developing new online, blended and microcampus program offerings as well as expanding international research opportunities for students.

“Our aim is to continually provide a modern vision of global education for the 21st century, build programs designed to meet the needs of the professional workforce and prepare the next generation for the 4th Industrial Revolution,” said Dr. Konhilas.

Dr. Konhilas is an active leader in graduate education at UArizona dedicated to a wide and diverse approach to graduate education, with affiliations to five graduate programs and serving on four graduate program executive committees. He currently serves as Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Konhilas has prioritized expanding opportunities for underrepresented populations, built an established culture among his group, and a direct pipeline with institutional underrepresented populations initiatives. He has obtained four National Institutes of Health Diversity Supplements, awarded to researchers who provide a foundation for the development of a well-trained and diverse research workforce.

Dr. Konhilas obtained his master's and postdoctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his undergraduate degree from Duke University. He later completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Colorado, Boulder before joining the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson faculty in 2008. As an independent research scientist, Dr. Konhilas has secured ~$16 million in funding and obtained national and international recognition as an expert in his field, through invitations to serve on international grant review committees. He holds 10 patents.

(Biographical information provided by Health Sciences International.)