NEWS

Dr. Jamie Newman, professor of biology and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences at Louisiana Tech University, has been selected as the new director of the School of Biological Sciences upon the retirement of Dr. William Campbell on May 31. A Louisiana Tech faculty member since 2013, Newman brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in research, education, and innovative program development to her new role.

In her position as a member of the faculty and as associate dean, Newman has been instrumental in advancing the College of Applied and Natural Sciences’ research programs, including fostering collaborative efforts across various disciplines. She has collaborated on initiatives such as the VISTA Center, which creatively merges the arts and sciences, and the development of the Justin & Jeanette Hinckley Virtual Anatomy Lab, a cutting-edge educational tool to assist students in anatomy and physiology learning. Newman’s leadership has also been pivotal in creating opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni to engage in academic and professional development. These efforts have been recognized with the University of Louisiana System Outstanding Faculty Award and the Louisiana Tech University Foundation Professorship Award.

Newman’s research focuses primarily on understanding how the environment influences stem cell fate, including the self-renewal or differentiation of cells into specialized types such as bone cells. Her work became especially significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she collaborated with Grambling State University and local clinics to monitor wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in Ruston. Additionally, she has published widely on the roles of stem cell signaling and gene regulation.

“I am confident that Dr. Newman will do an outstanding job in the role of director for the School of Biological Sciences,” said Gary Kennedy, dean of Applied and Natural Sciences. “Dr. Newman is very skilled in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing innovative ideas that benefit various academic programs. In addition, she does a great job of engaging alumni, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders by providing opportunities for them to connect with students, faculty, and all areas of our college.”

A native of Woodland Hills, California, Newman earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Amherst College. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she studied gene regulation and cell state in embryonic stem cells under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Young.

Dr. William Campbell, the current department head for biological sciences, said, “Dr. Newman is an outstanding choice as the director of the School of Biological Sciences. Jamie is knowledgeable, resourceful, and enthusiastic about the School’s students, faculty, and staff. She is well-regarded on campus and within the community and is creative with great ideas. She will be an exceptionally capable leader.”

Newman has also contributed to the broader academic community by mentoring students, engaging with healthcare professionals, and participating in numerous leadership and outreach programs. In her new role, she will continue to work closely with faculty and students to advance the School’s research initiatives, strengthen its academic programs, and foster collaborations across various sectors.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the director of the School of Biological Sciences,” Newman said. “I have been able to realize my own goals and grow my career within the School, and I look forward to helping faculty and students do the same. With programs in biology, nutrition and dietetics, environmental science, and medical laboratory sciences, the School of Biological Sciences trains the next generation of scientists and healthcare providers. We have an active faculty who regularly engage students in research and service-learning to create the experiential learning opportunities that make Louisiana Tech a great place for pursuing higher education. I am excited to work with the faculty and students to promote and expand these opportunities, growing both the possibilities and reputation of the School.”

Newman is married to Brad Cicciarelli, a distinguished lecturer in chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech, and together they have two children, Jacob (10) and Mallory (8). Outside of academia, Newman enjoys spending time with her family and rediscovering her passion for running.

For more information about the School of Biological Sciences at Louisiana Tech, visit ans.latech.edu/biological-sciences