Steensma Named E. Desmond & Mary Ann Lee Professor

Colorful bird signs lift above the crowd at Steensma's installation ceremony, honoring the scholar who has authored three field guides on avian life

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Joseph T. Steensma, a professor of practice in the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, has been installed as the inaugural E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Professor. The installation ceremony drew a wide cross-section of attendees, reflecting the impact of Steensma's work integrating science and entrepreneurship to advance public health.

Why it matters

The E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Professorship is designed to foster innovation across disciplines at WashU, and Steensma's career is seen as a model of public health scholarship that is analytically serious and explicitly oriented toward real-world solutions.

The details

Steensma has founded and led multiple businesses focused on translating research into solutions for pressing public health challenges. He teaches courses in biostatistics, environmental health and the public health implications of climate change, preparing students to apply analytic tools to urgent problems. Steensma has also served on numerous nonprofit boards and supports research exploring the relationship between human health and the natural environment.

  • The installation ceremony took place on February 11, 2026.
  • Steensma was previously the president of the Board of Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he played a pivotal role in implementing one of the earliest and most comprehensive public smoking bans in the U.S.

The players

Joseph T. Steensma

A professor of practice in the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis who has been installed as the inaugural E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Professor.

Sandro Galea

The Margaret C. Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, who framed Steensma's career as a model of public health scholarship.

Mark D. West

The Provost at Washington University in St. Louis, who presented the medallion signifying Steensma's installation.

II Luscri

The assistant vice provost for innovation and entrepreneurship and managing director of the Skandalaris Center at Washington University in St. Louis, who said the goal was to recognize a faculty member who "transcends the entire university community."

E. Desmond "Des" Lee

A Washington University alumnus who co-founded Lee-Rowan Manufacturing Co. and later devoted himself to philanthropy, ultimately giving more than $70 million to local and regional educational and cultural institutions.

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What they’re saying

“His work on environmental exposures, sustainable systems and global health enterprise reflects a deep engagement with how markets and institutions shape health.”

— Sandro Galea, Margaret C. Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health (Mirage News)

“There are some feelings in this room.”

— Mark D. West, Provost (Mirage News)

“Joe is someone who has consistently shown up across schools, programs and roles at WashU - as a teacher, a mentor, a collaborator, and a trusted partner to students and colleagues alike.”

— II Luscri, Assistant Vice Provost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mirage News)

What’s next

The E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Professorship is designed to foster innovation across disciplines at Washington University in St. Louis, and Steensma's installation as the inaugural holder of the professorship is expected to further advance this goal.

The takeaway

Steensma's installation as the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Professor highlights the university's commitment to supporting faculty who integrate science, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving to address pressing public health challenges.