[bioundgrd] Iain Cheeseman to serve as Associate Department Head for Biology

[Amy E Keating]

To Biology Department faculty, staff, postdocs, and students,

I’m writing with the excellent news that Iain Cheeseman has agreed to serve as Associate Department Head, effective immediately. Iain has extensive leadership experience from his role overseeing the Whitehead Institute core facilities and serving as co-director of the graduate program with me in 2020-2021. He has also been the long-time advisor to the Whitehead Institute postdoc association and a member of the Biology Department Faculty DEI committee. On top of being extraordinarily effective, and a terrific colleague to work with, Iain is a passionate supporter of students and also a strong supporter of and advocate for our junior faculty. 

Iain will assume a leading role supporting junior faculty career development, building on important work that Jackie Lees started in our department and which she continues as an Associate Dean in the School of Science. He will also continue as a member of the graduate committee, assuming an Associate Director role with responsibility for helping with student support. As a creative, energetic, and forward-looking scientist, teacher, and mentor, I know Iain will bring many new ideas and perspectives to the department leadership and help with a range of programs and initiatives. I very much look forward to working closely with Iain, and I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with him.

Please join me in thanking Iain for his service to our department.

Best regards,
Amy