Oppenheimer is one of three candidates selected as regional editors for Acta Histochemica. He is responsible for the United States, Canadian and South American submissions for the journal.

"This is a major honor for me," said Oppenheimer, who assumed his duties Jan. 1. "It brings me and CSUN to international prominence in science. It will be a lot of work but it will allow me to play an important role in helping to further develop this journal."

Oppenheimer will disseminate manuscripts for review, evaluate journal submissions, attract high quality entries and promote the bimonthly journal.

"Steve's appointment is key to the future of the journal and I'm really delighted that he's accepted the position," said Susan Brooks, managing editor of Acta Histochemica.

Oppenheimer was selected for the editorship based on his knowledge, commitment, enthusiasm, efficient and diligent work ethic, as well as the quality and scope of his publications, Brooks said.

"He was the clear and obvious choice," she said.

Oppenheimer, a biology professor of embryology and the biology of cancer, also conducts research-training courses. He received a bachelor of science from Brooklyn College, the City University of New York and a Ph.D. in biology from Johns Hopkins University.

He has received more than 26 honors, including a prestigious position as Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and has been named a California State University system Trustee's Outstanding Professor. In addition, the biologist has raised about $6 million in grants for Cal State Northridge.

For 50 years, Acta Histochemica, a journal of structural biochemistry, has provided an international forum for exploration, understanding and discussion of structural biochemical, cythochemical, histochemical and cellular imaging research in the life sciences. The journal is published by internationally-renowned academic publisher Elsevier/Urban and Fischer.

California State University, Northridge has 31,000 full- and part-time students and offers 61 bachelor's and 42 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is among the largest single-campus universities in the nation and the only four-year public university in the San Fernando Valley. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.