Welcome

The Brother Leonard A. Mann, S.M. Chair in the Sciences recognizes outstanding accomplishments in and contributions to scholarship in the sciences. The position is named in honor of Brother Leonard A. Mann, S. M., former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of physics. Bro. Mann has been described as a true servant-leader in the Marianist tradition. He tirelessly served his church, his order, his colleagues, and most of all, his students. At the time of his death in 1995, Bro. Mann had served as a Marianist brother for 61 years.

The late Dr. Panagiotis “Takis” Tsonis of the Department of Biology was installed in 2002 as the first Mann Chair. Dr. Robert Brecha, professor of physics, was the second chair. Dr. Peter Powers of the Department of Physics served as the third chair until his death in 2014. Dr. Shawn Swavey, Department of Chemistry, served as the fourth chair. Dr. Umesh Haritashya, from the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, was the chair until 2024. Dr. Amit Singh, from the Department of Biology, is the current chair.