Jennifer West, Ph.D.

Jennifer L. West, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia, has been elected to the prestigious NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, one of the highest recognitions in health and medicine. The National Academy of Medicine is one of three institutions that make up the National Academies, operating under an 1863 Congressional charter signed by President Lincoln to assemble experts to advise the nation in science and technology.

“It is my honor to welcome this truly exceptional class of new members to the National Academy of Medicine,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “Their contributions to health and medicine are unparalleled, and their leadership and expertise will be essential to helping the NAM tackle today’s urgent health challenges, inform the future of health care, and ensure health equity for the benefit of all around the globe… Continue reading.

The University of Virginia today announced the appointment of Jennifer L. West as the 14th dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, effective July 1.

West is currently the Associate Dean for Ph.D. Education and the Fitzpatrick Family University Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science at the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University. West comes to UVA with a formidable record of accomplishment and experience as a transformational researcher, award-winning teacher and mentor, and inventor and entrepreneur, with 25 years of experience in engineering education and leadership.

She also will be the first woman to lead UVA Engineering in the school’s history.

“Jennifer’s accomplishments in research, teaching, and innovation are exceptional and, at the same time, she is a creative and bold leader,” said UVA Provost Liz Magill. “She is also nationally recognized as a change-agent in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. She is well-poised to take our superb UVA Engineering to the next level… Continue reading.

Jennifer West, the Fitzpatrick Family University Professor of Engineering at Duke University, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)—one of the highest professional distinctions for engineers.

West was cited “For developments in photothermal and theranostic therapies and bioabsorbed scaffolds for tissue regeneration.”

“Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the top honors an engineer can achieve in a lifetime,” said George A. Truskey, interim dean of the Pratt School of Engineering. “We are extremely proud that the NAE has recognized the outstanding contributions of not only one of our leading faculty members, but also two other individuals who have played important roles in the Pratt School’s ascent.”

Jennifer West joined Duke in 2012 from Rice University, where she was chair of the bioengineering department. She holds a joint professorship in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke, and is also a professor of cell biology and of chemistry, member of the Duke Cancer Institute, and associate dean for PhD education at Pratt.

Jennifer West, the Fitzpatrick Family University Professor of Engineering with appointments in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Cell Biology, and Chemistry, has been awarded the 2015 Clemson Award for Basic Research from the Society for Biomaterials.

Clemson Awards are given in honor of the strong traditional ties between the Society for Biomaterials and Clemson University that have existed since 1974. Awardees are selected by the Society for Biomaterials Awards, Ceremonies and Nominations Committee and confirmed by the President of Clemson University.

The award for basic research recognizes outstanding contributions to the basic knowledge and understanding of the interaction of materials with tissue, focusing on theoretical concepts, developing new materials or studying the interactions of a bacterial in a biological environment.