Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Raised on a small farm in Lehi, M. William “Willy” Lensch was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a biology degree from Utah State University in 1991 and a Ph.D. in molecular and medical genetics from Oregon Health Sciences University. His research on pediatric bone marrow failure, leukemia, and rare blood diseases has led to over 60 publications and hundreds of scientific and public talks. He completed postdoctoral work at the Whitehead Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital and now serves as associate provost for research at Harvard University, helping lead cross-disciplinary science initiatives. Lensch has held key roles at Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also contributed to national and international science policy, earning honors from Harvard and the state of Connecticut. A proud first-generation college graduate, Lensch remains closely connected to USU, having served on the College of Science advisory board from 2016 to 2024, including as chair.
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
Raised on a small farm in Lehi, M. William “Willy” Lensch was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a biology degree from Utah State University in 1991 and a Ph.D. in molecular and medical genetics from Oregon Health Sciences University. His research on pediatric bone marrow failure, leukemia, and rare blood diseases has led to over 60 publications and hundreds of scientific and public talks. He completed postdoctoral work at the Whitehead Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital and now serves as associate provost for research at Harvard University, helping lead cross-disciplinary science initiatives. Lensch has held key roles at Harvard Medical School, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also contributed to national and international science policy, earning honors from Harvard and the state of Connecticut. A proud first-generation college graduate, Lensch remains closely connected to USU, having served on the College of Science advisory board from 2016 to 2024, including as chair.
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
