Jo Anne Powell-Coffman, professor of genetics, development and cell biology at Iowa State University, was named associate dean for research by Beate Schmittmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).
Powell-Coffman brings extensive leadership experience to the position, and is highly regarded for achievements in research and education. While serving as chair of the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology for seven years, she led notable achievements in diversity, research facility development, faculty development and student support.
As associate dean for research, Powell-Coffman will promote research and scholarship in the college across all scholarly fields represented in LAS.
“The depth and breadth of scholarly accomplishment and expertise in LAS is remarkable,” said Powell-Coffman. “It’s exciting to take on a role in which I can help colleagues to grow their research programs, recognize new opportunities and achieve even greater positive impacts.”
Her genetics research focuses on animals’ ability to sense and adapt to their environment, especially in low-oxygen conditions and other life-threatening stresses like hypergravity and reactive nitrogen species. Her research group has secured funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, among other prominent funders.
An indubitable champion of student success, Powell-Coffman has served as a Vision and Change Leadership Fellow for the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences (PULSE), since 2012, when she co-founded the organization. Established with funds from the NSF, the National Institutes of Health, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, PULSE was created to catalyze and advance transformational changes in life science departments, supporting educators who want to provide “inclusive, student-centered, evidence-based teaching and learning.”
Powell-Coffman has been recognized for many leadership roles, earning awards such as Iowa State University’s Early Achievement in Departmental Leadership, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Faculty Award for Diversity Enhancement, a departmental Outstanding Mentor Award, and a Bailey Research Award for Career Development.
She will begin her five-year term appointment July 1, 2019.