Dr. James Anderson named public health associate dean for research

James Anderson, Ph.D.

James Anderson, Ph.D., has been named associate dean for research in UNMC’s College of Public Health.

Dr. Anderson is recognized internationally for his work with cancer research, including his service as the group statistician of the Children’s Oncology Group.

The newly created position provides additional structure to the growing college and supports a pillar of UNMC’s mission.

Other changes Dr. Anderson’s promotion to the dean’s office requires him to relinquish other roles in the college. These positions have been reassigned to: Keith Muller, Ph.D., chairman of the college’s promotion and tenure committee; Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Ph.D., acting chairwoman of the department of epidemiology; and Rebecca Anderson, J.D., interim chairwoman of the governing faculty.

“One of the college’s primary goals is to participate in making UNMC a world-class research institution,” Dr. Anderson said. “I plan to collaborate with my college colleagues to promote public health research.”

“Dr. Anderson brings tremendous wisdom and experience in structuring a strong research portfolio and in mentoring faculty towards successful research careers,” said Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., dean of the College of Public Health. “I could not have found a stronger partner or a more skilled leader.”

In his new capacity, Dr. Anderson will oversee a broad range of research activities and work with faculty and departments to facilitate future research projects.

“We hope to foster greater interactions between faculty, to assess research resources and fund pilot projects where junior faculty can collaborate with mentors to move projects forward,” Dr. Anderson said.

Dr. Anderson assumed his new role on Nov. 1.