DANBURY, CONN. — Growing up in upstate New York, Tom Lonergan spent his early years catching bugs, fishing in streams and watching birds — so it’s no wonder that he became a biology professor.

This fall, Lonergan will start a new career as the head of the biology and environmental sciences department at Western Connecticut State University after 30 years at the University of New Orleans.

“I knew since I was 3 — if it crawled, jumped or flew, I chased after it,” said Lonergan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY-Albany and a Ph.D. in cellular biology from the University of Illinois-Champaign. He also did post-doctoral work in developmental biology at Yale University and conducted research on the biochemistry of the biological clock.

Lonergan, who officially starts Aug. 28, said that he always wanted to head a biology department and said he was attracted to WestConn when he learned the university was looking for someone with bio-technology experience. That’s where his expertise in stem cell research comes in. Lonergan said the state has a stem cell initiative program and funding is available to support faculty research. “Dr. Lonergan has the background, experience and drive to help us achieve the vision we have for our department,” Professor of Biology Dr. Thomas Philbrick said.

In addition to heading the department, Lonergan also will be teaching — something he has always enjoyed. “I love teaching — watching the proverbial light bulb go off,” he said. “When a student says, ‘I’m better than I was when I walked in the door,’ that’s what I’m here for.”

Lonergan said that WestConn is similar to the University of New Orleans, which also is part of a state university system. “I felt I could hit the bricks running,” Lonergan said. “The curricula are similar between the two universities from both an administrative and a teaching standpoint.”

In addition to establishing a successful stem cell research program, Lonergan said his goal is to be “an excellent chairperson. One who listens to colleagues and assumes the role of a team leader, not the boss.”

Lonergan said biology is important, especially in today’s climate. “You can’t get away from health and environmental issues. If the general public knew more about biology, it would be helpful in our situation. It would help foster a sensitivity of other living things to global changes.”

He also said that WestConn has a large percentage of students interested in biology for a relatively small state university population. Having a state-of-the-art science building, recently constructed on Osborne Street, helps, Lonergan said. “It certainly is a selling point to have a building like that on campus.”

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.