More than two decades after its inception, the Center for Vertebrate Genomics (CVG) at Cornell University celebrated its growth and achievements by hosting a lecture from President Michael I. Kotlikoff, a key figure in its founding. Kotlikoff, who has been instrumental in shaping Cornell’s genomics landscape, shared insights from his journey during the CVG’s “Stories” series event.
Kotlikoff, who served as a department chair and later as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, played a pivotal role in recruiting faculty whose work laid the groundwork for the CVG. William Lai, the interim director of CVG and assistant research professor in molecular biology and genetics, highlighted Kotlikoff’s contributions, noting the foundational impact of his efforts.
From Ion-Channel Physiology to Genomics
During his lecture, Kotlikoff reflected on his academic journey, which began with a focus on ion-channel physiology at the University of Pennsylvania. His move to Cornell marked a shift to mammalian genetics, where he concentrated on cardiac injury and repair. His lab’s groundbreaking work included the development of influential fluorescent and optogenetic tools, which have significantly advanced the field.
“One of the highlights of my scientific career that you’ll see is that my lab has just moved from technology to technology as the questions called for different approaches,” Kotlikoff remarked. “I’ve enjoyed being able to see science progress, utilize the increase, the change in technology, and try and use those to attack significant problems.”
Kotlikoff emphasized that his scientific approach continues to inform his leadership as university president. “Asking rigorous questions, analyzing facts, and making data-informed decisions are essential to running a complex institution like Cornell,” he stated.
The Role of CVG in Advancing Genomics
The CVG serves as a university-wide hub with over 100 affiliated faculty members spanning disciplines such as biomedical sciences, neurobiology, computational biology, and nutritional science. Its mission is to foster collaborations in genome-scale biology, enhance the training environment for graduate and postdoctoral students, and attract top-tier scientists to Cornell.
The “Stories” series, of which Kotlikoff’s lecture was a part, provides informal opportunities for the CVG community to learn from seasoned researchers about their growth as scientists, mentors, and leaders. According to Lai, “Events like this are incredibly inspiring for the CVG community, especially for our trainees.”
Implications and Future Directions
The celebration of CVG’s growth and the insights shared by Kotlikoff highlight the center’s significant impact on the field of genomics. As the center continues to expand its reach and influence, it plays a crucial role in advancing scientific understanding and innovation at Cornell and beyond.
Looking ahead, the CVG aims to build on its successes by further integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations. The center’s commitment to training the next generation of scientists ensures that it will remain at the forefront of genomics research.
Stephen D’Angelo, communications manager for biological systems at Cornell Research and Innovation, underscores the importance of such events in inspiring the academic community and driving future breakthroughs.
