M. William Lensch

M. William Lensch, PhD, serves as Associate Provost for Research at Harvard University and as a part-time Lecturer on Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is also a Member of the Center for Bioethics and a past Fellow of the Center for Bioethics. His professional portfolio spans the schools of Harvard, providing high-level management and guidance for interfaculty research and educational initiatives across physical, life, and social sciences.

Dr. Lensch earned his B.S. in Biology from Utah State University and his Ph.D. in the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics at Oregon Health Sciences University. His post-doctoral work was conducted at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and as a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Career-Development Fellow at Boston Children's Hospital.

Dr. Lensch's research interests focus on rare diseases, genetic modification, use of human tissues in research, stem cell biology, human/animal chimeras, and the disposition of human remains in museum collections. His work bridges the gap between laboratory science and ethical considerations in biomedical research, with particular emphasis on blood-forming system genetics, development, and related diseases. His interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology with bioethics to address complex issues in modern medicine.

Analysis of Dr. Lensch's publication history reveals a strong foundation in stem cell biology and hematopoiesis, evolving toward broader bioethical considerations and public health applications. His early work focused on fundamental mechanisms of hematopoietic stem cells and disease modeling, while more recent publications address pandemic response, medical history, and ethical dimensions of biomedical research. This trajectory reflects his transition from laboratory-based research to administrative leadership with continued scholarly engagement.

• 2005 Hadassah Service Award
• 2007 Fellow, The Aspen Institute Health Forum
• 2007 Distinguished Service Award
• 2009 Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching
• 2010 Knop Visiting Scholar
• 2019 Star Family Prize for Excellence in Advising
• 2021 Daniel D. Federman Staff Award for Exceptional Service
• 2025 Commencement Speaker and Doctor of Science (honoris causa), Utah State University

Dr. Lensch has demonstrated exceptional commitment to student advising, as recognized by the Star Family Prize for Excellence in Student Advising. His administrative leadership includes serving as Strategic Advisor to the Dean of Harvard Medical School, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Consortium on Pandemic Readiness (MassCPR), Chief of Staff to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Executive Director of the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Faculty Director of Education for the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. His experience spans research, education, administration, science policy, and intellectual property.

Dr. Lensch has been actively involved with multiple research teams and initiatives, including the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Massachusetts Consortium on Pandemic Readiness. His external service includes roles as a gubernatorial appointee to Connecticut's Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee, a member of the Public Education Committee of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, and Chair of the Bioethics Subcommittee of the American Heart Association. His work continues to bridge scientific discovery with ethical implementation in medical practice.