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Last modified: Tuesday, June 21, 2011

HPER's Klaunig one of three to serve on state toxicology transition panel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS -- James Klaunig, chair and professor in the Department of Environmental Health in Indiana University's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, has been appointed to a three-member panel to oversee the transition of the Department of Toxicology from the IU School of Medicine to the state of Indiana.

James Klaunig

James Klaunig

Klaunig will join Linda Chezem, retired judge from the Indiana Court of Appeals, and Michael Medler, retired lieutenant colonel from the Indiana State Police, where Medler led the criminal investigations, gaming and laboratory division of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Gov. Mitch Daniels announced the appointments today (Tuesday, June 21), and the transition panel's work will begin immediately.

Klaunig served as the professor and director of toxicology and the state toxicologist from 1991 until retiring in 2003. He is a fellow in the Academy of Toxicological Sciences. He has been the recipient of numerous awards honoring his scientific contributions and service to the field of toxicology. He serves nationally on committees for toxicology, risk assessment and public health for such institutions as the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institute of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. At the state level, he has served on the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving, the Pesticide Review Board and the Controlled Substances Board.

Senate Enrolled Act 431 moved management and oversight of the Department of Toxicology to the executive branch of state government and requires the governor to appoint a three-member panel to oversee this transition. All members of the transition board must have expertise and experience in toxicology and at least one member must be a judge. The board will deliver its report to the governor and legislative council by Sept. 1, 2012, and will sunset in December 2012.