College of Science names two associate deans

Two faculty members from the College of Science have accepted associate dean positions within the college, effective July 1.

Peristera Paschou was named associate dean for online and graduate education, with responsibility for raising the profile and impact of the college’s efforts in its online learning and graduate programs.

Garth Simpson was named associate dean for research and partnerships, with responsibility for increasing and enhancing the college’s research scope and impact.

Patrick J. Wolfe, the Frederick L. Hovde Dean of Science, says, “It’s gratifying to be able to promote from within and welcome our own faculty to leadership roles in the college. Both Perry and Garth are exemplary scientists, scholars and strategic thinkers who will work with our Purdue colleagues to propel the college to even greater reputational excellence.”

Paschou joined the faculty in 2016 as an associate professor of biological sciences. Her interdisciplinary research leverages the strength of big data toward clinical translation and personalized medicine. In particular, she has been a pioneer in the study of Tourette's syndrome, for which she was recently named a Showalter University Faculty Scholar.

Her new responsibilities focus on online and graduate education. Paschou says, “Recruiting excellent and diverse graduate students as well as creating a vibrant research and training environment are critical to accelerating scientific discovery.  Whether through traditional or online avenues, I look forward to working with my colleagues to facilitate scientific and academic excellence.”

Simpson came to Purdue in 2001 as an assistant professor and is currently professor of analytical and physical chemistry. His fundamental interest in the theory of nonlinear optics has led to the discovery of new measurement approaches in structural biology and pharmaceutical analysis. Partnerships with national laboratories, instrumentation companies and the pharmaceutical industry have expanded further the impact of these discoveries to diverse scientific communities. 

Simpson says of his new role: “I sincerely look forward to helping support the faculty of the College of Science in advancing the depth, impact and reach of its research endeavors.”

Purdue’s College of Science, founded in 1907, comprises nearly 350 tenure-track faculty. It enrolls more than 1,200 graduate students and more than 4,300 undergraduates across seven departments: biological sciences; chemistry; computer science; earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences; mathematics; physics and astronomy; and statistics. 

Writer: Jennifer Jeffries, 765-496-1682, jcjeffries@purdue.edu 
Sources: Patrick Wolfe, 765-494-1730, patrick@purdue.edu