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Mary Ellen Lane appointed dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

  Mary Ellen Lane, PhD
  Mary Ellen Lane, PhD

Mary Ellen Lane, PhD, has been appointed dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, according to an announcement from Chancellor Michael F. Collins and Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor in Medicine, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine.

Dr. Lane, associate professor of neurobiology, associate dean for curriculum and academic affairs, and senior director of administration in the GSBS, has been a member of the faculty since 2011. Among many pivotal initiatives and accomplishments, Lane created the Office of Academic Affairs within the GSBS; led a team of faculty in remodeling the first year student experience in the Basic Biomedical Sciences program and in implementing the new problem-based learning “Foundations” curriculum; created and convened the Academic Advancement Committee; and implemented structural improvements to the Pathways to Graduate Study program.

“Dr. Lane has been a key member of the GSBS leadership team, working closely with Dean Anthony Carruthers and others to forge a new path for graduate study for our students,” said Chancellor Collins. “Her contributions have been honored with, among other distinctions, the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions to Graduate Education and the Sarah Stone Excellence in Education Award.”

As dean, Lane will assume an important leadership role in developing and implementing a strategic vision for the GSBS. Specific responsibilities include all aspects of the educational program within the GSBS, including the selection of PhD students (through the admissions committee); the curriculum and standards of the PhD degree; and those aspects of student affairs that fall exclusively within the GSBS. Direct reports include the support staff and the associate and assistant deans of the GSBS.

Dr. Lane holds an AB from Colgate University and a PhD in biological sciences from Columbia University. Prior to joining UMass Medical School, she was on the faculty of Rice University in Houston, and served as assistant dean for admission at the MD Anderson University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Houston.

“Dr. Lane’s educational philosophy, commitment to active and engaged change in the field of higher education, and her strong belief that higher education has the potential to transform lives and communities will serve her admirably in this new role,” said Dean Flotte.

Related link on UMassMedNow:
Anthony Carruthers stepping down as dean of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences