Dr. Paula S. Williamson

Dr. Paula S. Williamson

Associate Dean for Research

Office: Centennial Hall, 201

Phone: 512.245.2119

Email: pw04@txstate.edu

Paula Williamson is associate dean for research in the College of Science and Engineering and University Distinguished Professor of Biology. She received her B.S. (1981) in Biology from Texas State University, and M.A. (1985) and Ph.D. (1988) in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Williamson joined the faculty of Texas State University in 1988. From 2005-2014, she served as associate dean of The Graduate College.

Dr. Williamson has been PI or Co-PI on over $3M in externally funded grants. Dr. Williamson is a conservation biologist. She conducts field research studying reproductive biology, population genetics and community ecology of endangered species, additionally her conservation interests involve studying public perceptions of invasive species and invasive species management. Dr. Williamson also conducts STEM Education research. She is currently PI of a Department of Education, Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation Program grant entitled “GENERACIÓN STEM: Promoting Hispanic and Low-Income Student Success through Individualized Support, Transfer Navigation, and STEM Career Preparation”. This project is a collaboration between University College and the College of Science and Engineering.

Williamson received the Texas State University Presidential Award for Excellence in both Teaching (1994) and Service (2005). Other awards she has received include the Southwestern Association of Naturalists Meritorious Service Award (2009) and the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to graduate education in the southern region (2017).

Dr. Williamson has held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations including service on the Executive Committee of the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, Executive Council of the Texas Society for Electron Microscopy, Board of Directors of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, Board of Directors of the International Water Lily Society, and Botanical Society of America Conservation Committee. She was the first woman elected president of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists in its then 50-year history and has also served as Region I president of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society