ÌÇÐĶ¯Âþvlog

Dr. Michael B. Scott

Dr. Heather E. Doherty

Associate Dean

Assistant Dean

It is an honor to serve the College of Science community at Cal State Monterey Bay. My own educational journey included transferring from a community college to a four-year university, an experience that shaped my understanding of the opportunities and challenges students may encounter as they navigate higher education. I later earned a B.S. in Physics and an M.S. in Mathematics from California State University, Northridge, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, Davis. 

I have worked in higher education for more than three decades, beginning as a developmental mathematics instructor and later serving as a professor, Faculty Associate for Assessment, department chair, Academic Senate Chair, Interim Associate Dean, and now Associate Dean. Throughout my career, I have been committed to student success, academic excellence, and collaborative leadership. I believe colleges are strongest when faculty, staff, administrators, and students work together toward shared goals.

As Associate Dean, I support and oversee the College’s academic programs, curriculum, enrollment planning, shared governance, assessment, lecturer faculty, and student-success initiatives. I am especially interested in using evidence and institutional data to improve student learning, remove barriers to graduation, and ensure that students and faculty receive the support they need to achieve their educational and professional goals.  

I am excited to be the first Assistant Dean in the College of Science Dean Team at ÌÇÐĶ¯Âþvlog. I joined the College of Science Dean Team at Cal State Monterey Bay after 15 years in higher education on the East Coast. I bring a passion for learning and a broad background in the sciences, curriculum design, and safety.

I received a B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Anthropology from Purdue University. My Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology is from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my post-doctoral work was as a Curriculum Fellow focusing on Ph.D. and resident training programs at Harvard Medical School.

Training students for 21st century jobs in the sciences requires specialized space, technical equipment, and continual vigilance around safety. As the College of Science updates, adds new facilities, and expands programs, I will bring my enthusiasm for education and diverse expertise to help create a dynamic and exciting future for our students. My favorite hobbies include kayaking, travel, and playing and watching the sport of curling.