David Simpson named Eberly college associate dean for diversity and inclusion
David Simpson, associate teaching professor at Northeastern University, has been named the associate dean for diversity and inclusion in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Prior to joining Northeastern in 2023, Simpson served as an assistant professor for biological engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology. His administrative experience includes serving as special assistant to the provost for faculty success and as provost initiatives coordinator of inclusive excellence at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He also served as chair of the faculty senate.
“We are delighted to welcome David into this critical position for our college,” said Tracy Langkilde, Verne M. Willaman Dean of the Eberly College of Science. “He brings experience as an educator and researcher, and as a leader in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. David’s passion and expertise in faculty success and inclusive teaching and learning aligns with our college’s mission and will complement our existing strengths.”
Simpson has also served as an assistant adjunct professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology at the University of California, Davis, where he was associate director of the Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures (VIRC) program and co-director of the Regenerative Medicine Laboratory. His research focuses on development of comparative regenerative medicine therapeutics to support human clinical trial design. Simpson has also spent time in industry as a senior scientist for research and development at Capricor Therapeutics.
“The Eberly College of Science has demonstrated a commitment to DEI for many years, and I am very excited to work with students, faculty, and staff to co-create innovative experiences that will elevate their sense of belonging in our community,” he said. “I look forward to being a dedicated ambassador for the college and will work collaboratively across the University to align strategy and build initiatives that truly embody Eberly’s mission. I can’t wait to get started!”
Simpson earned his doctorate in biomedical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University and his bachelor’s degree in engineering science from the University of Virginia.
Simpson has received the 2023 Student’s Choice Award for Excellence in Teaching — Biological Engineering and the 2022 President’s Award for Distinguished Contributions to Inclusive Excellence, both from Wentworth Institute of Technology.