Dr. Tien-Min (Gabe) Chu has been named chair of the Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences at the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD), effective June 1, 2026. Chu succeeds Dr. Jeffrey Platt, who will retire May 31. The appointment is in addition to Chu’s associate dean of research position, a role he has held since 2015.
Chu, who has worked at IU Indianapolis since 2003 and at IUSD since 2007, brings a solid understanding of the needs and priorities of the department’s research-focused faculty. Coupled with his experience supporting faculty through school- and campus-level promotion processes, Chu is well positioned to advocate for faculty development and academic advancement.
“Dr. Gabe Chu is a thoughtful and visionary leader,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “He has been instrumental in elevating the school’s research profile and is committed to faculty growth and success. As he steps into this role, his collaborative approach will ensure continuity and position the department for continued growth. I’m grateful to Dr. Jeffrey Platt for his years of exceptional dedicated leadership and service, and for his partnership in helping ensure a smooth transition.”
Chu noted that Platt has been an exceptionally supportive and caring department chair who set a high standard of leadership.
“I hope to build upon his example and continue to foster the positive, collaborative culture he has established within the department,” he added. “I recognize that unexpected challenges may arise, and I appreciate the patience and support of the faculty as I step into this role.”
One of Chu’s first priorities will be the relocation of the Oral Health Research Institute (OHRI) into the dental school building.
“This is a significant undertaking that will require careful coordination of timing, equipment, laboratory setup, and operational troubleshooting,” Chu said. “Over the next several months, I will focus on ensuring a smooth transition while also taking time to better understand the full scope of the department’s activities.”
Chu also plans to continue fostering intra- and interdepartmental collaboration, ensuring the Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences remains a strong and reliable partner within and beyond the school. He believes the department’s long-term success will be reflected in strengthened research support, enhanced integration with teaching, and continued growth in excellence and impact. He is particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring OHRI, the dental materials laboratory, and the histology laboratory together as a more cohesive research core while elevating support for faculty and trainees.
“For faculty engaged in research, I will continue to provide the support I have offered in my role as associate dean for research,” Chu said. “For the teaching mission, I will spend time learning more about the department’s structure, goals, challenges, and opportunities. My intention is to understand the needs of all faculty and staff so that I can support them effectively and help create an environment where they can thrive.”
Chu hopes to assume these additional responsibilities without compromising his research leadership by adjusting select school- and university-level service commitments.
“These adjustments will allow me to devote the time and attention required for both roles to be successful,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust the dean has placed in me, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve our faculty in this expanded capacity and to contribute more broadly to the success of the department and the school.”