06/13/2025
By Joseph Hartman
In a decade at WPI, Susan has elevated the research profile and funding for her department, tripling the size of its graduate program, while creating an inclusive culture serving 300 students.
Prior to that, she spent 17 years on faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she created a world-renowned program in plant cell engineering and biotechnology, led the creation of the Institute for Cellular Engineering, and developed pathfinding curricula focused on the intersection of engineering and life sciences. She also served as associate dean of the Graduate School, where she developed programs for student professional development.
Notably, at UMass Amherst, Susan was the first female member of the Chemical Engineering faculty and only the third woman promoted to full professor in the College of Engineering.
Susan has expressed a commitment to innovation at the leading edges of research and education, as well as advocating for inclusion of students and faculty from a variety of experiences and backgrounds. She’s dedicated to advancing the education and careers of members of the Francis College of Engineering community, and in elevating its already strong reputation.
Susan received a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, with a minor in biochemistry, from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She is a native of the Greater Lowell region, having grown up in Billerica, where she graduated from Billerica High School.
She is the proud mother of three children, Justin, Benjamin and Emmelyn, and two dogs, Molly and Max.
Susan was selected to fill the shoes of retiring Francis College Dean Jim Sherwood after a national search led by a committee co-chaired by Manning School of Business Dean Bertie Greer and Cindy Conde ’87, ’90, outgoing chair of the Francis College Industrial Advisory Board. I thank Bertie, Cindy and the other members of the committee for their thoughtful, dedicated efforts in finding the very best candidate to lead the Francis College of Engineering.
Susan’s selection comes at an important time for UMass Lowell, as we continue to raise our research profile following our formal designation by Carnegie as a Research 1 institution, and as we pursue the partnerships and collaboration necessary for the success of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor.
Her reputation precedes her as a dynamic, enthusiastic leader, and we’re thrilled by the opportunity to bring her to UMass Lowell.
I hope you will join me in welcoming her to our campus.