Tracy Langkilde, professor and head of the department of biology at Pennsylvania State University, has been named the Verne M. Willaman Dean of the Eberly College of Science at the university. She will begin her appointment on October 1.
Dr. Langkilde joined the Penn State faculty as an assistant professor of biology in 2007. She was named the head of the department in 2016. As department head, she provides leadership to the department’s 100+ faculty, 15 administrative staff, and 120 postdoctoral and graduate students, and oversees an educational program engaging more than 10,000 undergraduates.
“The complex challenge of leading the college through the next decade excites me,” said Professor Langkilde. “My vision as dean of the Eberly College will be a continuation of my vision as department head — to work together to elevate the reputation and impact of our scientific community, achieve excellence in innovative research and teaching, help build public understanding and trust in science, and foster a diverse, inclusive and supportive community where all contributions are valued.”
Dr. Langkilde received her bachelor’s degree in tropical biology at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. She earned a Ph.D. in biology at the University of Sydney in 2005.