Steve Corcelli, William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science, announced three leadership changes within the College of Science as of July 1, 2026.
Patricia Champion, associate dean for research, graduate, & postdoctoral studies, has been reappointed for a three-year term and promoted to senior associate director. She is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Champion joined the University of Notre Dame as an assistant professor in 2009, after working as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon University, and a doctoral degree in molecular biology from Princeton University.
Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria, specifically mycobacteria, cause disease. Champion’s laboratory studies the fundamental biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with a focus on the molecular processes that allow bacteria to interact with the host and impact human health.
During her tenure at the University of Notre Dame, Champion has earned several awards, including the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2018, the James A. Burns, C.S.C, Award in 2023 for outstanding faculty mentorship, and was named a fellow of the AAAS in 2022.
“Patty has provided exceptional leadership during her initial term as associate dean, advancing key initiatives across the College while serving as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner,” Corcelli said. “I am delighted that she will continue in this important leadership role.”
After a year of serving as interim associate dean, Holly Goodson, professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, has been appointed to a three-year term as associate dean for education & undergraduate programs.
Goodson has been a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame since 2000, after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. She became a full professor in 2014. Goodson holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Princeton University, and a doctorate in biochemistry from Stanford University.
Her interdisciplinary research combines biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational biology to investigate the structure, organization, and dynamics of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Additionally, Goodson’s laboratory studies molecular evolution by examining the history of protein families to better understand their structure and function.
During her time as an educator, Goodson has received numerous honors and awards, including the Thomas P. Madden Award and the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Award. She is also a Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology, serving on its national council.
“Holly has embraced this role with remarkable dedication and effectiveness, bringing thoughtful leadership to our undergraduate programs and a steadfast commitment to student success,” Corcelli said.
Adam Martin, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been named the inaugural Assistant Dean for Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
Martin joined the University of Notre Dame faculty as an assistant professor in 2013. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a doctorate. in elementary particle physics from Boston University.
His research explores particle physics beyond the Standard Model, using theoretical approaches to understand phenomena such as dark matter and investigate how experiments at the Large Hadron Collider can deepen our understanding of physics.
Martin received the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C., Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2021.
“Adam has served with distinction as Director of Postdoctoral Scholars, advancing the College’s postdoctoral programs and fostering a strong, supportive community for postdoctoral researchers,” Corcelli said.