Anand Jagota (pictured), a professor in the departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, has been appointed associate dean of research for Lehigh’s College of Health.
“Professor Jagota’s experience founding the bioengineering department, his robust research agenda, and his connections across the colleges and with health care, industry, and federal funding agencies will enable the College of Health to rapidly and thoughtfully grow our research enterprise,” says Elizabeth A. Dolan, interim dean of the College of Health.
The newest of Lehigh’s five colleges welcomed its inaugural class during the 2020–2021 academic year. It is the first in the nation to offer an undergraduate and graduate degree in population health with a focus on health innovation and technology.
Jagota has conducted research in biomaterials, biomechanics, and nanobiotechnology since joining Lehigh in 2004. He retains his academic appointment with the Rossin College while taking on this new administrative role.
In his new post, Jagota will advise faculty about research opportunities, connect them with investigators working in similar areas across the university, and lead the development of external research partnerships with health care and other relevant industries and nonprofits. His appointment will also help support and grow collaborations between the two colleges, extending opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
“There is already a lot of high-quality health-related research at Lehigh,” Jagota says. “It is scattered in the colleges and so is less visible than it should be. The College of Health can play a role as a coordinating hub, firstly by developing top-notch research programs in chosen areas, and secondly, by building collaborative bridges with ongoing and new programs both within Lehigh and with selected external partners.”