Newman awarded for dedication to research and mentorship of students – Lincoln Parish Journal

The Louisiana Tech University Foundation selected Dr. Jamie Newman for her annual Professorship Award. Newman was recognized for her dedication to research, teaching and student mentorship.

“The special mission of the Louisiana Tech University Foundation is to support our university. The Foundation Professorship Award is one way we recognize and support outstanding faculty members for their teaching, service and scholarship,” said Lisa Bradley, interim vice president of the Division of University Advancement. “Dr. Newman exemplifies excellence in each of these areas, and we are proud to honor her. I look forward to hearing about her continued success.”

Newman is associate professor of research and graduate studies and associate professor in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences. Throughout her career, she has led the way in creating unparalleled learning experiences and research opportunities.

“As faculty, we are asked to wear many hats, and at any given time we may be focused on an aspect of research, teaching, service or some other initiative to advance the mission of the university,” Newman said. “In every aspect of my career, students continue to be at the heart of every decision, every research project, every initiative and every achievement, including this one. This recognition from the Foundation Board affirms to me that I have been able to achieve my professional goals, have been important to others, and have indeed led a life of meaning at Louisiana Tech University.”

Dr. Donna Thomas, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented the award and $3,000 stipend to Newman at the 2024 Benefactor’s Dinner. Thomas has witnessed firsthand the impact Newman continues to make on the campus community.

“Congratulations to Dr. Newman, a dynamic leader with a long list of notable achievements and exceptional contributions to Louisiana Tech University,” said Thomas. “Her dedication, passion and commitment to excellence are demonstrated by her impressive scientific record and the countless students and colleagues she has inspired. The balance between teaching, research and service activities is sometimes difficult to maintain. Jamie integrates all three seamlessly into her daily work.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newman’s research efforts focused on detecting the virus through sewage at the Ruston Wastewater Treatment Plant. Through a project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, where she assisted as co-principal investigator, these efforts grew beyond state lines.

In addition to her teaching and research activities, Newman has a strong involvement in service and support activities on campus, as well as at the state level. She was the driving force behind the concept and creation of the Virtual Anatomy Laboratory, housed in Carson Taylor Hall, and founded the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research seminar series that brings world-renowned researchers from various fields to the Tech campus, empowering students, faculty and administrators to learn and interact with experts representing a variety of disciplines in the health sciences.

At the state level, she was a key facilitator in the collaboration between the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and Louisiana Tech University’s VISTA program. Newman also served as an integral part of the University of Louisiana System Academic Summit for three years as the Undergraduate Research Council representative for Louisiana Tech.