Pamela Norris, the former vice provost of research and a current professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering with the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the George Washington University, has been named the next dean of the University of Delaware College of Engineering, UD President Dennis Assanis and Provost Laura Carlson announced Thursday. Norris will be the first woman to serve as dean of UD’s engineering college, and her appointment will be effective on March 1.
Norris joined GW in 2021 as vice provost for research, a post she held until this past August.
During her tenure at GW, Norris launched several initiatives to support faculty scholarship, including a robust new faculty orientation program, popular multi-day faculty writing retreats, and expanded grant development resources. She emphasized enhancing the external recognition of GW scholarship, brought the popular radio show Science Friday to GW’s campus, and sponsored a highly visible presence at the nation’s largest multidisciplinary scientific association (AAAS). Norris provided critical support for the early development of the Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS), the university-wide Trustworthy AI Initiative, and multiple federally sponsored programs that aim to diversify the STEM workforce. She also prioritized highlighting and celebrating the impact of book authorship and increasing the visibility of GW’s broad cross-disciplinary strengths.
GW’s research enterprise and reputation continue to rise. In 2023 GW was invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious group of North America’s leading research universities. Sponsored research activity at GW maintains its upward trajectory—expenditures on federally funded research activities are up nearly 18% in fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year. GW’s faculty have wielded considerable influence in their fields and in the public discourse through the editing and authoring of more than 350 books since 2021.
Beyond her impactful role as GW’s vice provost for research, Norris has remained a champion for diversity within science and engineering, actively working to increase the representation of women in these fields.
Shortly after joining GW, Norris partnered with the embassies of France, Germany and Italy and the Children’s National Research Institute to commemorate the 2022 United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This commemoration included a co-branded event at GW open to local high school students and guidance counselors, a public viewing of the movie “Hidden Figures” at the Children’s National Research Institute, and a panel moderated by Norris featuring young STEM professionals. The event also marked the launch of a new Women in Science Diplomacy club.
As a leader in her field, Norris has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including being elected a fellow of ASTFE in 2024 and an Inventor Member in the GW Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors, also in 2024. She was named an honorary member of ASME in 2021, one of the society’s highest honors, “for international leadership in nano, micro and macroscale thermal science and engineering research; for tireless efforts to advance diversity in STEM fields; and for demonstrating engineering excellence as an outstanding mentor for students and faculty.” Additionally, she received the Society of Women Engineers Distinguished Educator Award in 2016.