Bio:
Ira M. Taffer, PhD, is a scientist and entrepreneur with a history of involvement at Drexel University that spans over 40 years. Currently, Dr. Taffer is Interim Head of the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Taffer received a BS in chemistry in 1979 and a PhD in organic chemistry in 1983 from Drexel. After graduation, he became the co-founder and COO of BIOMOL Research Laboratories. Over 25 years, he grew the organization into a multinational company specializing in supplying biological tools for the life sciences research community. BIOMOL was later sold to Enzo Biochem, Inc.
Dr. Taffer holds a storied legacy of service at Drexel University as a student, co-op employer, Baiada Institute mentor, member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Alumni Association Board of Governors. In addition, he has been a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board since 1996. Previously, he served as interim department head of the Department of Chemistry (2013-15), interim head of the Department of English and Philosophy (2015-17), and associate dean of faculty affairs (2015-2021) at Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences.