The Joint Science Department of The Claremont Colleges has a new dean. Beginning this academic year, Professor David E. Hansen will oversee the three-member program for Scripps, Claremont McKenna, and Pitzer Colleges. Hansen, who received a Sc.B. from Brown University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University, started his academic career at Amherst College in 1986 and recently served there as the Rachel and Michael Deutch Professor of Chemistry.
In addition to science courses at Amherst, Professor Hansen taught first-year seminars with colleagues from the social sciences and the humanities. His research involves the creation of artificial enzymes, and much of his work has been directed toward the creation of peptidases. His administrative experience includes serving as department chair and many other appointed and elective functions.
In making the announcement to the Scripps community this spring, then-President Fritz Weis said: “Professor Hansen comes to the JSD at an important time. The growth of the Joint Science Department requires extensive planning for the future, including new and remodeled facilities, and the three member Colleges have just completed the drafting of a new governance agreement, including revised reappointment, promotion and tenure regulations, and a revised rotation schedule.”