Smolka named associate vice provost in Research & Innovation
By J. Edward Anthony
Marcus Smolka, professor of molecular biology and genetics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), has been named an associate vice provost in Research & Innovation. His two-year appointment began May 1. Smolka succeeds Hector Aguilar-Carreño, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who served in the role from July 2024 through April 2025.
Smolka is responsible for supporting research communities across the university that focus on biological systems, including biomedical and agricultural research. His role complements two other associate vice provosts: Natalie Bazarova, M.S. ’05, Ph.D. ’09, professor of communication in CALS, and Marjolein van der Meulen, Swanson Professor of Biomedical Engineering in Cornell Engineering, who support research communities focused on societal systems and physical systems, respectively.
“The three associate vice provosts in Research & Innovation play key roles in coordinating, facilitating and advocating for research across Cornell’s campuses,” said Gary Koretzky ’78, interim vice provost for research. “Marcus has long been a leader in supporting multidisciplinary teams to address important challenges in the life sciences. His experience in collaborative work that bridges distinct scientific areas and technical expertise is an incredible asset to our community.”
“I see this appointment as an opportunity to strengthen connections and enhance Cornell’s research capabilities, catalyzing initiatives such as ambitious, multiteam grants and making it easier for researchers to fully utilize our shared resources,” Smolka said. “As the funding landscape changes, coordination is more important than ever.”
Smolka served from 2022-2024 as interim director of the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, a hub for the life sciences at Cornell. He implemented and led a range of initiatives at the institute to stimulate biological research and bring together scientists from different disciplines.
“The kind of cross-talk promoted by the Weill Institute has shaped how I strategize towards research goals. I deeply appreciate the impact of multidisciplinary collaborations to solving fundamental questions in science,” Smolka said.
Smolka’s research group applies proteomic approaches in combination with genetics and biochemistry to investigate mechanisms of genome maintenance and how those mechanisms connect with cancer and reproductive biology.
“Cornell continues to find new ways to leverage our unique strengths in the biological, medical and veterinary sciences, across basic, applied and clinical research, for critical advances in human and animal health,” Koretzky said. “As an associate vice provost in Research & Innovation, Marcus is well positioned to enhance those efforts. I look forward to the energy and insights he brings to this work.”
J. Edward Anthony is a writer for Cornell Research & Innovation.