Bellevue College has named Dr. Gita Bangera as dean of undergraduate research. In this newly created position, Bangera will report to the vice president of Instruction and support campus undergraduate research efforts through grant-funded projects, curriculum development, faculty support, and partnerships with other research labs, industry and community organizations.
Bangera, a genomics researcher who has spearheaded the college’s participation in ComGen, the Community College Genomics Research Initiative, which Science magazine identified as one of the pioneering community college research projects in the nation. Students perform original research by sequencing the genome of a bacterium that fights a wheat fungus. They also analyze primary research articles and interact frequently with scientists.
In her new role, Bangera will develop the Bellevue College Center for Undergraduate Research, Innovation, and Experiential Learning. She also will serve as the college’s primary liaison with the National Science Foundation.
Bangera came to Bellevue College in 2004 as a full-time instructor, becoming chair of life sciences in 2009 and assistant dean of the science division in 2012. She also serves as adjunct professor in the department of plant pathology at Washington State University.
