Reappointment of Nancy A. Speck, PhD, as Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
August 23, 2021
To:PSOM Faculty, Students, and Staff
From:J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Jonathan A. Epstein, MD
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Nancy A. Speck for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB).
During Dr. Speck’s first term as Chair, Penn has experienced remarkable enthusiasm and momentum in the cell and developmental biology space – across the University and nationally. The Department’s 22 standing faculty members are widely recognized as leaders in their fields, which span cell biology, developmental biology, epigenetics, cancer biology, stem cells and regeneration, and cell signaling. Their scientific impact is reflected in an expanding sponsored research portfolio and an impressive number of high-impact publications. In the past year alone, three members of the faculty were elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
During her first term as Chair, Dr. Speck has recruited a strong group of faculty. Notably, she has fostered a rich and collaborative scientific environment within the Department, with senior faculty committed to mentoring junior faculty. In addition, under her leadership the Department is sharply focused on increasing faculty diversity and addressing issues of equity and inclusion. In keeping with the stature of its faculty, the Department has attracted an outstanding cohort of trainees, and its courses for medical students are highly rated. In addition, the Department supports an award-winning educational outreach program developed by the Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology is well-positioned to build on its existing strengths and robust partnerships. We look forward to working with Dr. Speck to sustain the significant momentum the Department has achieved under her leadership. Please join us in congratulating her on her reappointment.