DeLoia Joins NHS As New Associate Dean

Julie A. DeLoia, Ph.D., will join the School of Nursing & Health Studies at Georgetown University Medical Center as the new associate dean of academic affairs. She officially begins August 1, 2007.

“Julie comes to this important position with a solid academic background,” said NHS Dean Bette Keltner, Ph.D. “She has pursued innovative scientific research to improve the public’s health.”

Since 1992, DeLoia has held various academic appointments and leadership positions at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. There, she has managed course direction for first- and second-year medical students and worked closely with faculty on curriculum evaluation and revision. She has chaired departmental faculty development, worked with the school’s dean of faculty affairs to create a mentoring workshop for senior faculty, and created a mentor network for advising junior faculty.

Her research specialty is in the area of cancer genetics, particularly related to ovarian cancer. She was instrumental in founding the university’s Ovarian Cancer Center and currently serves as the center’s director of research. She also published more than 35 peer-reviewed articles and served as principal investigator on two R01 grants of the National Institutes of Health.

DeLoia earned her Ph.D. in human genetics from the Johns Hopkins University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in developmental genetics.

“I am very enthusiastic about joining NHS and helping to advance the school’s commitment to social justice through curriculum and research,” said DeLoia. “I am impressed with the intelligence and spirit of the student body and look forward to working with the NHS faculty as the school continues to flourish.”

In her new role at NHS, DeLoia will participate as a senior academic and executive member of the school’s leadership team. She will oversee the Office of Student Academic Affairs and coordinate educational programs across the school’s four departments, ensuring consistency and quality in service in an effort to advance and advocate for departmental priorities, faculty members, and students.

She will serve as a liaison with academic colleagues across campus, coordinate present academic programs, and oversee development and implementation, in consultation with departmental chairs, of new and innovative curricula. DeLoia will also monitor faculty workload and development, and assist in leading outcomes of the NHS Strategic Plan.

Kathryn A. Leonhardy, Ph.D., who has served as interim associate dean of academic affairs, will return to the NHS Department of International Health as a full-time faculty member.