Appointed by the Board of Governors
September 12, 2024 to June 30, 2025
Susan Strum, a native of Franklin, NC, received degrees in Biology (BS) and Chemistry (BA) from 蘑菇短视频 in 1987. While a student, Susan was President of the Biology Club and recipient of the Don L Yopp Merit Award and a Sigma XI Research Award. Susan recently served as Chair of the 蘑菇短视频College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Council from 2015 to 2019. Susan began her career in academic research then as a biochemist conducting pharmaceutical research, earning multiple awards for excellence. She is currently Head of Assay Development at Sapere Bio, Inc. in Research Triangle Park, NC. Susan brought her industry experience and expertise to design, develop and implement an innovative diagnostic product that measures molecular age in individuals with the purpose to improve their aging through intervention. Susan and her husband Jay, also a 蘑菇短视频alumnus, have established an endowed scholarship in the 蘑菇短视频College of Arts and Sciences for students from the western North Carolina region that need financial assistance to achieve their educational goals. Susan and Jay also sponsor a classroom in the new Apodaca Science Building in support of the Biology Department educational programs. In her youth, Susan was a Gold Award Scout, the highest level in Girl Scouts. Later, Susan served as Cub Scout leader for 8 years in Orange County, NC. Susan has served in several leadership and teaching roles in her church, has led bible study groups, and implemented a church-based community awareness program to educate on issues around human trafficking. She mentors Women in Science students at the collegiate level and high school students who are interested in pharmaceutical research. Susan is a devoted mother of two grown children. She and her husband have sponsored nine children from several different countries and continue to educate and encourage sponsorship to aid the education of children that live in poverty.