Photo of Michael Hanna by Rensselaer/Kris Qua

Michael Hanna, associate professor of biology, has been appointed as associate dean for academic advising, assessment, and special programs at Rensselaer. He will also serve as the director of the Institute’s Advising and Learning Assistance Center (ALAC).

“Professor Hanna is a highly respected educator who has been personally involved in curriculum enhancement and innovation,” said Prabhat Hajela, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education. “He brings a wealth of experience in teaching, academic advising, and counseling to this position. I am very impressed by his deep sense of commitment to the well-being of Rensselaer students.”

Hanna was the 2004 Darrin Counseling Award winner, honored by the Phalanx student leadership honorary society for his contribution to the counseling of students. In addition, Hanna and George Plopper, assistant professor of biology, were named “Education Fellows in the Life Sciences” by the National Academies in 2004. The designation was given to 39 educators around the country who successfully completed a summer institute aimed at fostering innovative approaches to teaching undergraduate biology. Currently, he is the academic adviser for 70 students, and counsels students with an interest in the health professions.

	Michael Hanna, associate professor of biology, meets with Judd Rattner, a junior with a double major in electrical engineering and management, to discuss Rattner’s ideas for enhancing dual and double major advising. Photo by Rensselaer/Jessica Otitigbe

Hanna will work with Rensselaer’s five schools, the Joint Student/Faculty Senate Committee on Advising, and various campus constituents to further develop advising and mentoring approaches to aid undergraduate students. He also will work with the Office of Undergraduate Education in key areas and initiatives defined in the Undergraduate Plan, with an immediate focus on living and learning communities and undergraduate research.

“My interactions with students have run the gamut from teaching, advising, and mentoring in research to counseling for career purposes. This position in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Education will enhance my ability to develop and participate in activities that intersect academics and student affairs,” said Hanna. “I look forward to working with the dedicated counselors in the Advising and Learning Assistance Center as we develop a more inclusive philosophy for mentoring our students.”

Hanna has been a School of Science faculty member for 28 years. He also serves as the chair of the Pre-Health Professions Committee, and is the co-director for the accelerated physician/scientists program. Hanna earned a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Hanna completed his postdoctoral work at Princeton University.

Published February 20, 2006