Dr. Anne Robertson Promoted to Distinguished Service Professor

Recognizing her contributions and service in support of teaching and research, as well as her development of a holistic mentorship program for new faculty, the University of Pittsburgh promoted McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine affiliated faculty member Anne Robertson, PhD, to Distinguished Service Professor, the highest honor that the University can accord a member of the professorate.

Dr. Robertson, a William Kepler Whiteford Professor of Engineering, holds a primary appointment in the Swanson School of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) with a secondary in Bioengineering, is nationally recognized for her research in hemodynamics, cerebral vascular disease, and the formation and treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

“I cannot be more excited for Anne and her promotion to the highest faculty rank at Pitt, joining an elite rank of individuals in our department and school,” said Brian Gleeson, PhD, the Harry S. Tack Chair Professor and MEMS Department Chair, who nominated Dr. Robertson for the position.

Dr. Robertson is also founding director of the Swanson School’s Center for Faculty Excellence, which helps newly recruited assistant professors navigate the teaching, research, scholarship, and support systems of the university environment. Young professors are mentored by a committee of interdisciplinary senior faculty from throughout Pitt as well as from Carnegie Mellon University. The Center aims to shepherd new faculty through their new tenure, improve retention, and encourage self-growth.

“I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities and support I have had to pursue initiatives in research and service at Pitt, while maintaining my engagement in classroom teaching,” she said. “It has been a privilege and inspiration to work with our outstanding junior faculty at Pitt through the Center for Faculty Excellence and gratifying to see the selfless commitment of my colleagues to mentoring these faculty across department, school, and even university lines.

“The University of Pittsburgh has been my academic home since I completed my postdoctoral training and so it is particularly meaningful to me to be promoted to the level of Distinguished Professor.”