NIH Honors Two BU Researchers for Exceptionally Creative, High-Impact Science
Two Boston University researchers have received prestigious awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Julia Bond (SPH’24), a BU School of Public Health assistant professor of epidemiology, has been awarded the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award. She’ll use the award’s funding to study how sexual wellness prior to pregnancy is linked to conception. Meg Younger, a BU College of Arts & Sciences assistant professor of biology, received the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award. She’ll use the funding to investigate new techniques for unraveling the sophisticated sense of smell that allows mosquitoes to track down humans to bite.
Boston University Launches “You Are Why” Campaign, Highlighting Research and Discovery Impact
In a letter sent to the BU community, President Gilliam announced the “You Are Why” initiative. This effort will highlight BU’s groundbreaking research and discoveries that have been made possible through federal and philanthropic partnership and investment. “You Are Why” will also share examples of how the University’s scholarship, teaching, and service missions impact the lives of patients, students, families, and communities. “You Are Why” additionally calls on the BU community to seek new ways of engaging in dynamic and innovative partnerships that will help support and shape the future of research and provide opportunity for students.
BU Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members
Boston University’s Board of Trustees elected two new members this fall, adding to its deep well of individuals with experience in business, education, and healthcare. Rod F. Hochman (CAMED’79, CAS’79) and Kamal Bahamdan (ENG’94) both joined the board.
Boston University Receives Major Multimillion Dollar NIH Grant for Women’s Health Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Boston University a prestigious $4.5 million grant to further women’s health research and spur career growth for young investigators. The five-year award from the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health program, an NIH-funded research and career development initiative, will connect senior and junior faculty interested in women’s health research.
Kenneth Lutchen Appointed Associate Provost for Research
Boston University has appointed pioneering biomedical engineer and experienced higher education leader Kenneth Lutchen as its new vice president and associate provost for research. Lutchen has held a variety of prior teaching and leadership positions at BU, including senior advisor to the president for strategy and innovation, and he cochairs the Task Force on Convergent Research and Education. For 17 years, he was a transformative dean of BU’s College of Engineering and he spent a year as interim provost during the University’s presidential transition.
Boston University Introduces Common Read, a New Campus Tradition
A new campus tradition launched in 2025: the Boston University Common Read, where the whole University community is encouraged to participate in a shared reading experience—creating the foundation for ongoing discussion. Booker Prize–winning novel Orbital, by Samantha Harvey, was the inaugural book. While the program is designed with first-year and transfer students in mind, the Common Read is open to all faculty, staff, and students.
Boston University Makes LinkedIn’s First “Top Colleges” List for Student Career Success Prep
The professional networking social media platform LinkedIn launched its inaugural list of the Top Colleges in the US. In the compilation of the 50 undergraduate institutions that best prepare students for successful careers, Boston University is 43rd. Among the top fields with BU alumni, the rankings identified technology and internet companies, higher education, and advertising.
BU’s Jack Parker Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Jack Parker (Questrom’68, Hon.’97) is BU’s first inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 40 seasons coaching Boston University’s men’s hockey, Parker notched 897 victories—second among all active coaches nationally when he retired in 2013. He led the Terriers to three national championships and six Hockey East titles, while earning three coach of the year awards.
Pioneering Healthcare Scholar Adnan Hyder Named School of Public Health Dean
Adnan Hyder, a globally renowned doctor and scholar who has devoted a quarter of a century to improving healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, has been named the new dean of Boston University’s School of Public Health and a Robert A. Knox Professor. The professorship supports a faculty member who demonstrates excellence—in teaching, scholarship, and research—and makes an impact on society.
Elise Morgan Named BU College of Engineering Dean
Elise Morgan, interim dean of the College of Engineering since July 2023 and a long-standing and deeply respected member of the ENG faculty, will take over the role permanently starting August 1. Her appointment as dean of ENG comes after a national search process that included “several strong candidates for the role,” Gloria Waters, University provost and chief academic officer, said in a letter to the BU community. Waters described Morgan’s “exemplary leadership” as a key factor in the decision.
