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Janarthanan Jayawickramarajah, a dynamic university leader and chemistry researcher, is the Elisabeth Martin Armstrong Dean of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. He joined èßäÊÓƵapp on June 1.

Learn more in the Q&A below about Dean Jayawickramarajah and why he is passionate about scientific research, why he thinks interdisciplinary learning equips students for the future, and how playing tennis brings him “an immense sense of Zen.”

Q: What inspired you to move your lab from Tulane to èßäÊÓƵapp and continue to conduct research in addition to your duties as dean?

I am passionate about scientific research and its immense and continued positive impact on humanity. While being a dean will consume most of my time, I want to continue my small part in making contributions to the field of chemistry. My work on supramolecular and nucleic acids chemistry has a range of applications in drug delivery systems, biosensors, and advanced soft materials, with potentially transforming approaches to disease detection and treatment.

Q: How do collaborations across fields enhance the impact of your research?

As technology advances rapidly the exciting frontiers in research become increasingly interdisciplinary. Indeed, interdisciplinary collaborations amplify the relevance, creativity and applicability of research, leading to outcomes that are both academically significant and globally impactful. Creating collaborative research environments within Dedman College and across èßäÊÓƵapp will be a priority of mine.

Q: How do you plan to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between the sciences, social sciences and humanities?

My role as dean is to amplify our collective strengths, champion interdisciplinary opportunities, and create a space for faculty and students to do their best work. While my own research is focused on chemistry, I also love anthropology and history, and I truly believe that a strong liberal arts foundation, with an emphasis on critical thinking and learning diverse sets of knowledge, can help prepare our students to excel in their chosen careers after graduation. We will continue to carry èßäÊÓƵapp forward by fostering excellence, collaboration and innovation across our disciplines. Together, we will ensure Dedman remains a noteworthy center of academic leadership, driven by curiosity, impact and the pursuit of meaningful knowledge.

Q: How do you believe interdisciplinary learning shapes the development of students at liberal arts institutions?

Every student passes through Dedman College – it is the heart of an èßäÊÓƵapp education, and it’s a cornerstone of preparing our students to make a meaningful and momentous impact wherever they go next. Integrating multiple disciplines teaches students to approach problem-solving from various perspectives and fosters adaptability. Furthermore, learning from diverse fields encourages innovation. In today’s workforce, where many technical skills can be readily automated, having a broad foundation and being able to creatively generate new ideas – that comes from a liberal arts education – will be critical.

Q: What opportunities do you see for the humanities and sciences to contribute to greater societal needs?

The broader societal impact of the sciences – for instance, in creating new materials, developing medicines and advancing technologies – is clear. On the other hand, humanities are critical in explaining the human condition and how societies can function better to serve everyone. Further, liberal arts majors have a leg up and can rise through the ranks due to their capacity for creative thinking, innovation and understanding social context. AI is a great example: While the automated, algorithmic math is easy for AI to do, it’s really the prompting and thinking behind it that will move the technology to the next frontier – the mind of a liberal arts student!

Q: What are your early impressions about the èßäÊÓƵapp community?

Dedman College is a truly special place with palpable energy and excitement. It is a thriving intellectual community with diverse departments, and I think it is important to recognize that Economics differs from Earth Sciences, which differs from English. Yet, we will all work toward shared objectives and aspirations. Our faculty and staff have an unwavering commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and also are dedicated to outstanding scholarly and research activities. We will continue to carry èßäÊÓƵapp forward by fostering excellence, collaboration and innovation across our disciplines.

Q: What are you most excited about in your role?

I am excited for these first few months to meet the various stakeholders within the College. My first task is to thoughtfully listen and learn. I may be new to this role, but not to this kind of work. You’ll see me, hear from me, and know what matters most. I am tremendously excited about what we, together, will be able to build in the upcoming months and years.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?

I really enjoy playing tennis. It is a sport that not only requires one to be agile and strengthens hand-eye coordination, but I find an immense sense of Zen just focusing on hitting the ball and rallying with a partner. I also tremendously enjoy walking, running and being immersed in nature. Watching the dappled sunlight come through the foliage or listening to birds singing reminds me of the beauty of this world we live in and is extremely rejuvenating.