THE GERALD M. LEMOLE, MD, ENDOWED CHAIR IN INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY
Samantha Chapman, PhD
Samantha Chapman, PhD, professor of Biology and co-director of the Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, is the Gerald M. Lemole Endowed Chair in Integrative Biology. She earned her BS from Pennsylvania State University, and her MS and PhD from Northern Arizona University.
A coastal ecosystem ecologist, Dr. Chapman studies how sea level rise, warming and nutrient additions affect coastal wetlands. As principal investigator of the WETFEET project, Dr. Chapman and an interdisciplinary team examine how changing environmental conditions are shaping mangroves and marshes in St. Augustine, Florida. High levels of nitrogen from fertilizer, septic tanks, and cities harm several plant and animal species, among other negative effects. Their project aims to uncover more about the effect nutrient pollution has on these coastal wetlands and how ecosystems can help remove nutrients for a more sustainable future. Dr. Chapman regularly involves Villanova undergraduate and graduate students in her research.
Dr. Chapman is a member of the Smithsonian’s Coastal Carbon Research Coordination Network and is an editorial board member of the journal Ecology. Her research has been published in scientific journals such as Earth’s Future, Science of The Total Environment, Ecology, and Global Change Biology, among others.
About the Gerald M. Lemole, MD, Endowed Chair in Integrative Biology
The establishment of a the Gerald M. Lemole, MD, Endowed Chair in Integrative Biology will honor the life and legacy of Gerald M. Lemole, MD, ’58 CLAS by supporting the career of a talented biology professor, advancing the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and enhancing the education of Villanova biology students.
In addition to providing critical resources to enhance science education at Villanova, the Endowed Chair also will serve as a lasting tribute to the special relationship shared by Villanova and Dr. Lemole.
A 1958 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dr. Lemole became a pioneer in the field of cardiac thoracic medicine. A highly esteemed surgeon and author, he has taught and practiced medicine around the world. He also has established himself as a generous philanthropist who has lent his support to numerous Christian and educational causes. At Villanova, Dr. Lemole’s friendship and support has included the endowment of the Rev. Angus N. Carney Endowed University Scholarship, which has benefited several students since its establishment in 1999.