College of Science Dean Louisa Hope-Weeks began her appointment on Aug. 1. Martin Szillat
After holding several administrative positions at Texas Tech University, Louisa Hope-Weeks became the University of Nevada, Reno’s new dean for the College of Science on Aug. 1. A chemist originally from the United Kingdom, Hope-Weeks earned her bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Hertfordshire and her doctorate in chemistry from the University of Cambridge. After graduating, she accepted a postdoctoral position at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and later became a staff scientist there.
In 2004, Hope-Weeks started working at Texas Tech University. Over nearly a decade, she worked her way up in the chemistry and biochemistry department from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor. She served as associate dean outside her college before becoming chair of her home department. Hope-Weeks also served as Texas Tech’s associate dean of graduate and postdoctoral fellowships for the last three years.
“Dr. Hope-Weeks saw exceptional growth at her former institution and brings a wealth of experience in supporting increased enrollment and student achievement,” said Jeff Thompson, former dean of the College of Science and now executive vice president and provost of the University. “I am continually inspired by the accomplishments of my colleagues in the College of Science and I look forward to seeing my first home at the University continue to flourish under Dr. Hope-Weeks’ leadership.”
Hope-Weeks says she was particularly drawn to the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. With a storied history in mining, engineering and materials industries and research since 1888, the Mackay School and its students are well-poised to integrate into every part of the lithium loop and the broader mining community. “It’s essential to the state of Nevada, but it’s also essential to the country and the world as we move away from our dependence on fossil fuels,” Hope-Weeks said.
The new dean’s vision for the College of Science includes increasing enrollment through innovative recruitment methods, ensuring the college’s academic offerings are more accessible via distance learning and online coursework, and encouraging faculty-driven, interdisciplinary research. “I think this college in particular, because of all the unique parts of it, could be a world leader in clean technologies and clean energy.”
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