Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D., associate professor of immunology and immunohematology, has been appointed chair of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions, effective July 1. Jamerson succeeds Teresa Nadder, who retired this spring.

“I commend Melissa for her ongoing commitment to medical laboratory sciences, and I am confident her leadership will further support the department’s students, faculty, and staff as they strive to achieve their professional and academic goals,” said Paula H. Song, Ph.D., interim dean and Richard M. Bracken Chair of Health Administration at the VCU College of Health Professions.

Jamerson has served as assistant chair since 2021, where she has dedicated her efforts to a number of priority areas. Some of these include raising the profile of the medical laboratory scientists’ critical role on the health care delivery team, and maintaining VCU’s stellar program in the education and training of medical laboratory scientists.

Prior to joining the faculty of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jamerson was a postdoctoral fellow investigating cannabinoid modulation of the primary human monocyte cytokine response to HIV gp120. Additional research has focused on identifying proteins related to the pathogenicity and high mortality associated with the free-living amebae Naegleria fowleri.  

“This department has long been an integral part of my educational and professional journey,” said Jamerson, also an alumna of VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences. “It’s an honor to serve alongside the talented faculty and innovative researchers who are positioning our students to make a great impact on patient care.”

Jamerson received her B.S. in biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She obtained her B.S. in medical laboratory sciences and Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from VCU.