As a Professor of Practice in Stevens Institute of Technology’s Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Dr. Bill Windsor has turned classrooms into laboratories of discovery, mentoring dozens of young researchers and preparing them to thrive in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. His presence on campus illustrates how bringing industry leaders into academia can transform students’ experiences and create new opportunities for learning.
Windsor brings over 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical research with him, including leadership roles at Schering-Plough Research Institute and Merck. Over the course of his career, he helped advance six drug candidates into clinical trials, co-authored more than 45 peer-reviewed papers, and earned 11 worldwide patents. Among his achievements was Boceprevir, the first oral therapy for hepatitis C, a breakthrough that has helped thousands of patients worldwide. That deep industry background now fuels his teaching, giving Stevens students a rare chance to learn directly from someone who has been on the front lines of drug discovery.
The title of Professor of Practice isn’t given lightly. Universities reserve it for professionals with significant accomplishments outside academia — leaders who have shaped industries, developed innovations, or held influential roles. Unlike traditional tenure-track professors, Professors of Practice are appointed for their real-world achievements rather than for publishing or grant funding. At Stevens, they focus on teaching, mentoring, and providing practical research opportunities. For Windsor, that means developing courses like Biophysical Chemistry and Cell Signal Transduction, leading seminars on cancer immunotherapies and COVID-19, and guiding senior capstone projects that give students hands-on lab experience before graduation. These courses allow students to see not just the theory behind science but also how discoveries move from the laboratory bench to clinical application.
In 2014, Windsor helped establish and expand a biochemistry and biophysics laboratory at Stevens, often sourcing donated and second-hand equipment to ensure students had access to professional-grade tools. Along with his wife, Mary, he has also donated funds to support undergraduate research, allowing promising projects to continue even when resources are tight. His personal investment demonstrates a belief that students should have every opportunity to test their ideas and push their research further.
The results speak for themselves. Former students credit Windsor with shaping their careers and boosting their confidence. Over his 12 years as a Professor of Practice, Windsor has become more than an instructor. He is a mentor, a donor, and an advocate who has worked tirelessly to maximize student opportunities. His story illustrates not just his personal dedication but the broader importance of Professors of Practice. At Stevens, Windsor has proven how powerful that bridge can be, guiding students from curiosity to confidence and from classrooms to careers.
