Harvard Appoints Neuroscientist Jeff W. Lichtman as New Dean of Science in Faculty of Arts and Sciences

A renowned neuroscientist and Arts and Sciences professor, Jeff W. Lichtman, has been appointed as the next dean of Science for the Faculty of Art and Sciences (FAS). This announcement was made by FAS Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra on Tuesday afternoon, following the recent appointment of a new Arts and Humanities dean. Lichtman will officially take up his role on July 1st, as per an email sent by Hoekstra to FAS affiliates.

As a key figure in Harvard’s Molecular and Cell Biology program, Lichtman embodies the interdisciplinary approach that Hoekstra was seeking in a new dean. Besides teaching, he is involved with the MBB department’s curriculum committee and sits on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior program committee, coordinating neuroscience pedagogy across various departments. His research on creating a “connectome,” a map illustrating the brain’s neural pathways, is known for its ambitious scope and dedication to promoting collaboration.

Hoekstra emphasized in her announcement that Lichtman’s qualities align with what she sought in a new dean. Despite his new administrative responsibilities, Lichtman will no longer teach Neuro 80 in the fall; plans are underway for a different instructor to take over the course. For more information about this appointment, please contact Staff writer Tilly R. Robinson at tilly.robinson@thecrimson.com or Staff writer Neil H. Shah at neil.shah@thecrimson.com, or follow them on Twitter @tillyrobin and @neilhshah15 respectively.