Goucher College establishes $2 million endowed professorship in biological sciences and chemistry
Matched by alumnae/i contributions, the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund has awarded Goucher College $1 million to establish an endowed professorship to promote research and technology.
Through the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative, a state program created to spur basic and applied research in scientific and technical fields at colleges and universities, the Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded $1 million to Goucher College, matched by $1 million alumnae/i contributions, for the $2 million endowed professorship in biological sciences and chemistry.
The Goucher College Endowed Professorship in Biological Sciences and Chemistry will support a faculty position in the biochemistry and molecular biology major. This new professorship will help prepare undergraduate science students pursue advanced graduate and professional degrees in biological sciences, chemistry, and medicine. In addition, they will teach in Goucher’s nationally ranked Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.
“We are thankful for the Maryland Department of Commerce’s support of our vision to enhance our biological science and chemistry programs,” says Goucher College President Kent Devereaux. “Goucher’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum is focused on educating students to become real-world problem solvers, and this E-Nnovation grant will help us prepare a diverse group of students to succeed in STEM research and innovation across the region.”
Goucher’s biochemistry and molecular biology major was one of the first in the country to be accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which recognizes institutions for upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation in the major. The Goucher curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and supports students and faculty work addressing critical societal issues, including environment sustainability and public health disparities. This professorship will increase research opportunities for students on campus, as well as provide opportunities for potential internships and hands-on work with local organizations, governmental agencies, and Maryland STEM companies.
“Maryland’s culture of innovation is one of our strongest assets and a major driver of economic growth and new business attraction,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “We are proud to support this large and impressive cohort of E-Nnovation awardees as they continue their important, cutting-edge research.”
For more information about Goucher’s Center for Natural Sciences, visit https://www.goucher.edu/learn/academic-centers/natural-sciences/.