Mariana Wolfner

Mariana Wolfner is the Goldwin Smith Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics and a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University, where she has been a faculty member in Biology since 1983. She earned a B.A. in Biology and Chemistry summa cum laude and with distinction from Cornell University in 1974, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Stanford University in 1981, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Diego from 1981 to 1983. Her career trajectory at Cornell includes Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology (1983-1989), Associate Professor (1989-1995), Professor of Developmental Biology (1995-2013), and Distinguished Professor since 2013. Additional appointments encompass Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow since 2003, Associate Chair of the Department since 2021 (previously 2001-2005), and Hunter Rawlings faculty fellow at Cornell’s Alice Cook House. Wolfner has received numerous accolades for teaching and advising, including four Merrill Outstanding Educator Awards from Cornell University (1986, 1992, 2000, 2021) and the Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Award for Distinguished Advising (2012).

Wolfner’s research in Biology examines the molecular and genetic mechanisms governing reproductive processes around fertilization in Drosophila melanogaster, including the functions and evolution of seminal fluid proteins that modulate female reproductive physiology, behavior, and fertility, and the molecular signals activating oocytes for embryogenesis. These fundamental, conserved processes have implications for other animals, including humans and insect disease vectors. Her influential publications include “Evolution of genes and genomes on the Drosophila phylogeny” (Nature, 2007; 2399 citations), “Cost of mating in Drosophila melanogaster females is mediated by male accessory gland products” (Nature, 1995; 1648 citations), “Insect seminal fluid proteins: identification and function” (Annual Review of Entomology, 2011; 1023 citations), “Tokens of love: functions and regulation of Drosophila male accessory gland products” (Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1997; 673 citations), and “Reproduction–immunity trade-offs in insects” (Annual Review of Entomology, 2016; 666 citations). Major honors include election to the National Academy of Sciences (2019), Genetics Society of America Medal (2018), NIH MERIT Award (2020), and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2006). She serves on editorial boards for Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PLoS Biology, GENETICS, and others, and on study sections and professional organization boards.

Professional Email: mariana.wolfner@cornell.edu