Yasmen Helen Simonian, PhD, is a transformative leader in medical laboratory sciences whose influence extends across academia, research and public health. As dean and professor at the College of Health Professions at Weber State University, she has advanced interdisciplinary collaboration, expanded educational access and strengthened the connection between classroom instruction and clinical innovation. Under her guidance, the college encompasses 12 departments, including the School of Nursing, the School of Radiologic Sciences and the School of Health Administration Services. She has also been instrumental in launching an online program in medical laboratory sciences, designed to improve health care accessibility for rural communities.
Dr. Simonian’s academic foundation was established at the University of Utah, where she earned Doctor of Philosophy in health services and allied health sciences. Her academic training spans the College of Pharmacy, College of Health and College of Medicine, providing a multidisciplinary perspective that supports her leadership in health professions education. These achievements have empowered her to guide thousands of students and shape the future of health care through both scholarship and service.
Dr. Simonian’s career began at the University of Utah Medical Center, gaining critical hands-on experience in medical laboratory sciences with a concentration in hematology. This specialization in blood-related diseases prepared her for a lifelong focus on cancer research, laboratory diagnostics and the development of specialized training labs. Her commitment to advancing clinical knowledge continues through her work managing a hematology lab, contributing to lymphoma studies and performing peer reviews for the Journal of ASAP.
Before assuming her role as dean, Dr. Simonian was an assistant professor at Weber State University. Her leadership expanded when she was appointed department chair, a role in which she oversaw substantial growth in programming and helped to elevate the department’s national reputation. Her efforts during this period established the strong academic and structural foundation on which the College of Health Professions has since expanded.
In addition to her university leadership, Dr. Simonian has held positions on the boards of several prominent health organizations, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society. These appointments reflect her continued dedication to cancer research and advocacy for patients and health care professionals alike. Her professional credentials include certification as a medical laboratory scientist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, along with a cytometry credential.
Dr. Simonian’s career has been recognized with a range of prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor Award. These honors underscore her contributions to education, research and the broader health care field.
Dr. Simonian’s service also extends to the community through civic involvement and philanthropic work. She is an active member of the Armenian Catholic Church and has received recognition such as the YWCA Award for Education and the Woman of the Year Award from The Business. Looking ahead, she intends to continue developing new programs at the College of Health Professions and to deepen her support for single mothers and international women through breast cancer research and outreach.