Vicki Rosen, PhD, professor and chair of developmental biology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), has been appointed interim dean of the school. A highly respected scientist in bone and mineral research, Rosen’s career at HSDM spans nearly two decades, according to the school.
As chair of the Department of Developmental Biology, Rosen oversees pediatric dentistry and orthodontics as well as basic research. She also is involved in the education of postdoctoral fellows and residents, students enrolled in the DMD program, and MD and PhD candidates at Harvard Medical School (HMS).
Also, Rosen co-leads HSDM’s PhD Program in Biological Sciences in Dental Medicine and is a principal faculty member of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Her laboratory studies bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family molecule signaling in musculoskeletal tissues with the goal of using knowledge gained to enhance tissue repair and regeneration.
“I’m delighted that Vicki has agreed to lead HSDM while we continue to search for a new dean,” said George Q. Daley, MD, PhD, dean of HMS. “As co-chair with me on the search committee, Vicki’s insights throughout the process have been invaluable. She is a trusted leader who is deeply committed to teaching and research and values the importance of both in the clinical mission of the school.”
Rosen came to Harvard in 2001 after serving as a scientist at Genetics Institute, a biotechnology company, where she was a member of the research team that identified the BMP genes in 1988. Her research has been supported by grants from the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation; the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases; the National Institutes of Health; and the Department of Defense.
Also, Rosen received the Kappa Delta Ann Donner Vaughn Award for outstanding orthopedic research, the Marshall Urist Award for excellence in tissue engineering research, the Raine Medical Research Foundation Medal, and the William F. Neuman Award, which is the most prestigious award given by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
“I’m honored to serve as interim dean of HSDM,” said Rosen. “I look forward to working with our dedicated faculty and staff to support HSDM’s exceptional students and continue the school’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical care.”
In April 2019, Bruce Donoff, DMD, who has been dean of HSDM for 28 years, announced that he would step down from the position and transition to a role on the faculty. The search for a permanent dean is underway, with a committee comprising faculty from HSDM and HMS.
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