Call it "one-stop shopping" for research on birds of all kinds, says Barry W. Wilson, newly appointed chair of the Department of Avian Sciences at the University of California, Davis. "You want to know anything about birds, you call us," said Wilson. He proudly points to the department's depth of knowledge and concern about birds, ranging from a historically strong program in poultry to national and international wildlife studies to research on pet birds. A member of the UC Davis faculty since 1962, Wilson brings to his new position a combined expertise in avian biology and toxicology. He is recognized for his studies of muscle growth and development; research on dystrophic chickens, which serve as an animal model for studying the causes and treatment of human dystrophies; and investigations of growth-related turkey muscle abnormalities and their impact on meat quality. As the new avian sciences chair, Wilson replaces geneticist Hans Abplanalp who retired July 1 after 40 years of service to the university. Early in his academic career, Wilson chose to study the muscles of birds. Since nerves play an important part in controlling muscle growth, he soon found himself investigating the many pesticides that can inhibit nerve function. "As I studied, I became just as interested in the chemicals as the muscles," said Wilson. His interest in toxicology has in recent years led him to study the toxicity of pesticides on wild birds and ways in which the safety of the agricultural workplace might be improved. As a result of this dual interest, Wilson holds a joint appointment in the departments of Avian Sciences and Environmental Toxicology. Wilson credits the Department of Avian Sciences with numerous successes, ranging from basic nutrition research to developments in artificial insemination techniques, that have played an important role in the poultry industry. "And we have trained students who now are employed at every level of the poultry industry," he said. As department chair, Wilson hopes to continue strengthening the faculty and encouraging growth of programs devoted to basic research, applied poultry production, pet birds, conservation biology and ecological toxicology. One of his main priorities is to provide the resources for cooperative extension specialists to continue their service to the various industries related to the department. "I consider outreach to the people of California to be as important as instruction and research," he said. Wilson earned a master's degree in biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a doctoral degree in zoology from UCLA.