Dr. Mariana Wolfner

Professor

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Biography

Mariana Wolfner is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University and a Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular and gene level processes involved in reproduction, particularly how sperm fertilizes an egg and triggers embryo development. Using Drosophila as a model organism, Mariana’s laboratory investigates the molecular signals that activate oocytes and how seminal proteins influence reproductive physiology and female insect behavior. She teaches courses in Development & Evolution and Advanced Genetics. Mariana earned her B.A. in Biology and Chemistry from Cornell, followed by a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Stanford University and completed postdoctoral work at UC San Diego. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to research and teaching including the 2022 Faculty Champion Award from Cornell and recognition from the Genetics Society of America. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, and serves on various editorial boards and grant panels.

Research Interests

Awards

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Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences

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Faculty Champion Award

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Certificate of Distinction

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MERIT Award

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Member, National Academy of Sciences

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GSA Medal

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Recognition Award in Physiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology

#2016

Al Downe Lecturer

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Distinguished Professor Molecular Biology & Genetics

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Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Award for Distinguished Advising

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Lady Davis Fellow

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Stephen Margery Russell Award for Distinguished Teaching

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Wilhelmine Key Lecturer

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Fellow

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Robert Donna B. Paul Award for Excellence in Advising

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Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow

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Basil O'Connor Starting Faculty Scholar

Courses

BIOG 4990: Independent Undergraduate Research Biology BIOG 2990: Introduction to Research Methods Biology BIOMG 4610/6610: Development and Evolution BIOMG 6870: Tricks of the Trade: Using Genetics to Dissect Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Pathways BIOMG 1320: Orientation Lectures in Molecular Biology and Genetics

Requirements for Cornell University

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:15
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Portfolio (SlideRoom)
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Department of Architecture