Dr. Mary Cowman Named New Director of Othmer Institute

Mary Cowman, Director of the Othmer Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies

President Jerry Hultin appointed Mary Cowman, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, the Director of the Othmer Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies. Cowman has taught both undergraduate and graduate biochemistry at Poly for the past twenty years and was this year's recipient of the Distinguished Teacher's Award. She received her Ph.D. in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 1976 and joined Polytechnic's faculty in 1982. Dr. Cowman is well-known as an expert in the study of the structure and properties of biologically important polysaccharides.

The Othmer Institute supports innovative, interdisciplinary research and educational curriculum development, focusing on projects that entail risks, possess potential for substantial pay-off, and strive toward "breakthrough" findings. A unique intellectual home for scholars from a variety of backgrounds, the Institute acts as a magnet for talent and ideas. The defining feature of work carried out under the auspices of the Othmer Institute is a commitment to interdisciplinary activity.