Kathrin Engisch named interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics

Kathrin Engisch, associate dean for undergraduate education and outreach and associate professor of neuroscience, cell biology and physiology, was named interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

Kathrin Engisch has been named interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, replacing Yi Li, who took a job as provost/chief academic officer at California State University, Northridge.

Engisch, an associate professor of neuroscience, cell biology and physiology, has served as associate dean for undergraduate education and outreach since 2012.

“She has focused on strengthening research in science and math education, fostering teaching innovation and enhancing faculty development, including implementation of the College of Science and Mathematics Faculty Mentoring Policy,” said President David R. Hopkins.

Engisch obtained her Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. Since coming to Wright State more than a decade ago, she has been a key contributor to the success of faculty and students associated with a NIH-funded Program Project Grant on Neural Injury and Repair, for which she served as one of five principal investigators.

“Kathy brings the highest levels of rigor, quality, dedication and integrity to all her scientific efforts and administrative leadership roles,” said Robert Fyffe, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School.

Engisch was selected to attend the 2014 HERS Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration, the premier residential professional development program dedicated to advancing women leaders in higher education administration.

In collaboration with Munsup Seoh, professor of statistics, and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Engisch has been instrumental in organizing the annual Ohio Mathematics Contest.

“This challenging contest brings high-level students to Wright State, and through scholarships awarded to the first-place finishers encourages them to think of Wright State as their college choice,” said Hopkins.

In addition, Engisch has been deeply involved in the Women in Science Giving Circle, a grassroots organization dedicated to enhancing the educational and professional success of female students and female faculty in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.