Complex sentence: In 1996, Vailas became vice-provost for graduate studies, and professor and distinguished chair in biology and biochemistry at the University of Houston with a joint appointment as professor of mechanical engineering.
Split into simpler sentences: In 1996, Vailas relocated to the University of Houston as vice-provost for graduate studies, and professor and distinguished chair in biology and biochemistry. He also held a joint appointment as professor of mechanical engineering.