Mariana Federica Wolfner ‘74, Goldwin Smith Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics, has received the 2017 Recognition Award in Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology from the Entomological Society of America. The award recognizes scientists who have distinguished themselves through innovative research in these areas of entomology. Her award was presented at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), held November 5-8 in Denver, Colorado.
Wolfner studies the molecular, genetic, and physiological underpinnings of reproduction and fertility. Her research focuses on understanding, at the molecular and gene level, the important reproductive processes that occur around the time when a sperm fertilizes an egg.
Wolfner’s lab has identified mechanisms by which specific seminal proteins interact with female molecules to regulate phenomena such as egg production, reproduction physiology and behavior, and female sperm choice. Her lab has also uncovered how insect eggs “activate” to undertake embryogenesis upon fertilization.
A Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow at Cornell, Wolfner received her B.A in biology and chemistry from Cornell and her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Stanford University. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and has also received awards and recognition for her teaching and advising.
Founded in 1889, the Entomological Society of America is a scientific and educational resource for all insect-related research. It is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. ESA has over 6,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government.
Yvette Lisa Ndlovu is a communications assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences.
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