Zoubeida Ounaies, a professor of mechanical engineering at Pennsylvania State University, has been appointed director of the Penn State Center for Living Material Systems. Dr. Ounaies has taught at the university for the past nine years.
A native of Tunisia, Dr. Ounaies will lead the center that will allow researchers to address the challenges of the medical, robotics and aerospace industries, but do it in a way that is sustainable to the environment.
Georgette N. Jones was promoted to associate professor of biology and awarded tenure at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Her research focuses on molecular, cellular and developmental biology; mouse and human genetics; cancer biology; and histology.
Dr. Jones is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. She earned a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology at Ohio State University.
Karen Cook was promoted to associate professor of music history at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. She specializes in medieval and Renaissance music theory and performance.
Dr. Cook is a graduate of Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where she majored in music performance and religion. She holds a master’s degree in music from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and a Ph.D. in musicology from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
Bianca Harris was appointed director of the new online master’s degree program in criminal justice at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. The program will enroll its first students this fall. Her responsibilities will include teaching courses, recruiting students, and supervising an advisory board.
Harris is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in criminal justice administration. She earned a master’s degree in criminal justice at Boston University.
Catherine Chan was named executive director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has been serving as a professor in the departments of biological sciences and chemistry at The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she has been on the faculty since 2005.
Professor Chan holds a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Heidi Lane, associate professor of interprofessionalism and senior director of clinical skills assessment and education at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, was promoted to assistant dean for clinical skills assessment and education. Before joining the faculty in 2012, Dr. Lane served on the faculty at the University of Florida School of Medicine, NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina
Dr. Lane holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in education, and a doctorate in higher education leadership, all from East Carolina University.
Toni Ganzel, dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville, has received an additional appointment as vice president for academic medical affairs. Dr. Ganzel joined the faculty at the university in 1983 as an assistant professor of otolaryngology.
A native of New Mexico, Dr. Ganzel earned her bachelor of science and medical degrees from the University of Nebraska. She also holds an MBA in medical group management from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis.