Neuroscientist Steven Mennerick, PhD, a dedicated mentor and the John P. Feighner Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named director and associate dean of the university’s Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS). Mennerick had been serving as the interim associate dean since December 2020 and was named to the permanent position Aug. 1 after a national search.
Mennerick also is a professor of psychiatry and of neuroscience, the division director for basic neuroscience in the Department of Psychiatry and scientific director of the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research. He studies neuronal signaling with a goal of developing novel medicines for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
“Steve has done a wonderful job in the interim role over the past 2 ½ years,” said David H. Perlmutter, MD, the George and Carol Bauer Endowed Dean of the School of Medicine, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor. “With colleagues, he has spearheaded an innovative, interdisciplinary onboarding experience for incoming PhD students that introduces them to the challenges and rewards of creating new biosciences knowledge. He and his team have successfully grown DBBS’ student numbers by 30% and enhanced the culture of graduate education by increasing career-development opportunities for students and bolstering student organizations. I look forward to supporting him as he continues to move the division forward.”
Jointly based in the School of Medicine and in Arts & Sciences, DBBS unites life-science departments across the university to offer unparalleled training and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. DBBS offers support for a growing number of undergraduate summer research and post-baccalaureate pipeline programs. It ranks as one of the best doctoral programs in the country and includes the highly respected Medical Scientist Training Program, which offers students the opportunity to earn medical and doctoral degrees simultaneously.