William LaCourse

William LaCourse is a Professor and Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), with primary affiliation in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. He holds a B.S. from Charter Oak College (1982), a Ph.D. from Northeastern University (1987), and completed post-doctoral training at Iowa State University (1988).

His research focuses on analytical chemistry, emphasizing pulsed electrochemical detection (PED), liquid/gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and novel ionization techniques. Applications span pharmaceuticals, forensics, environmental science, and life sciences. Recent work includes ambient ionization mass spectrometry and educational pedagogy.

Publication trends highlight two domains: 1) innovations in electrochemical detection and mass spectrometry for biomolecule analysis, and 2) STEM education reform, including curriculum design and scalable student-success models.

Awards and Honors:

• Kauffman Fellow in Entrepreneurship (2007–Present)
• Top Reviewer, Journal of Chromatography A (2007)
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Northeastern University (2001)
• Young Investigator’s Award, Cygnus Therapeutic Systems (1993, 1994)
• Memberships: Tau Alpha Pi, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi

He leads the Chemistry Discovery Center (promoting team-based learning) and secured NIH STEM BUILD grants to enhance diversity in biomedical sciences. His lab utilizes UMBC’s core facilities for advanced instrumentation, mentoring undergraduates and graduates in analytical research.