Ronald Kaplan, PhD

Executive Vice President for Research, RFUMS
Vice Dean for Research, Chicago Medical School
Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

ronald.kaplan@rosalindfranklin.edu

Dr. Ronald S. Kaplan received his BA (1973), M.S. (1975), and PhD (1981) in Biology/ Biochemistry from New York University. His doctoral research focused on the characterization of citrate transport in mitochondria from tumor cells. Subsequently, he received postdoctoral training at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine from 1980-1986. His research there focused on molecular and functional characterization of the mitochondrial dicarboxylate and phosphate transporters. 

Dr. Kaplan joined the faculty of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1986 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 1991 and to Professor in 1996. Dr. Kaplan then joined the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science as a tenured Professor in 1997. He became Vice-Chair of the Department in 2002 and Chair in 2006. In August 2010, Dr. Kaplan assumed responsibilities of the Vice Dean for Research of Chicago Medical School and in July 2011, he stepped down as Department Chair to become the Vice President for Research at the University. During 2013-2014 Dr. Kaplan served as the Interim Executive Vice Dean for Chicago Medical School. In August, 2014, he was appointed Executive Vice President for Research at the University.

Dr. Kaplan’s research focuses on the structure, function, and regulation of mitochondrial and plasma membrane citrate transporters at the molecular level. These transporters are key to cellular energy metabolism. He is recognized as an international expert in the field of mitochondrial transporters and has been funded by NIH for over 20 years, as well as by NSF and numerous private granting agencies. In addition to his research efforts, Dr. Kaplan directed the Medical Biochemistry course for 9 years and has served the University community as Chair of the Faculty Compensation Committee and as the faculty representative to the University Board of Trustees.

As the Executive Vice President for Research, Dr. Kaplan provides leadership for the vision, development, implementation, and oversight of research activities throughout the university, and will serve on the Executive Committee of the President’s Cabinet. As Vice Dean for Research, he provides leadership for research activities within the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Kaplan also continues his research endeavors and teaching responsibilities in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.