Tomalei Vess

Background

About Tomalei Vess

Tomalei Vess's career has focused on educational access, diversity, and excellence. A first-generation college student, Vess earned a bachelor's degree in biology from James Madison University, where she conducted research for three years, an endeavor that changed her career path from medicine to research and teaching. She received her Ph.D. in biology from Duke University. After serving as a consultant for Duke's Women's Initiative for a year, Vess joined the faculty at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a residential public high school. She then returned to Duke as assistant dean in the Graduate School, running summer undergraduate research programs and focusing on recruitment and retention of Ph.D. students. Vess’s focus on undergraduate research as a means to promote student success continued in Duke’s interdisciplinary research Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy and then Virginia Tech. Dr. Vess has served as a full-time biology teacher at a high need Appalachian high school. During this time, Vess also was a digital research project consultant at Virginia Tech Libraries. At Penn State, Dr. Vess directed the Eberly College of Science’s Office of Science Engagement, promoting access to and participation of all science students in undergraduate research, education abroad, as well as career and professional development. At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she served as the assistant dean, working with graduate students and faculty to establish the program and provide all types of support, Dr. Vess enjoys cycling, kayaking, running, and hanging out with her beagle, Abby. She is a serious sports fan, with basketball and football at the top of a long list. Dr. Vess has close ties to southwest Virginia where her mother lives.