Sarah Kucenas, a University of Virginia researcher and biology professor, has been appointed Associate Dean for Research in the UVA College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

In this new role, Kucenas will strategically lead research initiatives for her school. She will help shape its vision by mentoring faculty, promoting collaboration, expanding research opportunities and ensuring research is compliant with federal and state policies.

“I’m truly inspired to give back to my home school by helping to shape a dynamic research strategy for Arts & Sciences — one that sparks curiosity, fuels excellence at every level and draws brilliant minds to our community,” Kucenas said. “I can’t wait to celebrate and support the extraordinary ways our faculty, staff and students are transforming the world through their discoveries, scholarship and creative brilliance.”

This position adds to Kucenas’ many titles. She is the Owen R. Cheatham Professor of the Sciences, a professor of biology, Director of the Program in Fundamental Neuroscience and former Co-Director of the UVA Brain Institute. She has played a key role in many research initiatives at UVA.

“We are thrilled that Professor Kucenas will join the Dean’s Office as Associate Dean for Research,” said Christa Acampora, Buckner W. Clay Professor of Philosophy and Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. “She brings exceptional talent and a deep bench of experience to this role, and we look forward to the contributions she will make in advancing our strategic priority of research excellence and academic innovation across our departments.” 

Kucenas is also the principal investigator of the Kucenas lab, where she studies the mechanisms that drive glial development and interactions in zebrafish. She hopes to use her research to better understand the role of glial cells in the formation and maintenance of the nervous system, as well as its regeneration when faced with disease.

“As a fellow neuroscientist, I am delighted to work with Kucenas to foster a curious and collaborative research environment at UVA,” Vice President for Research Lori McMahon said. “Kucenas’ interdisciplinary background and passion for research will only further the excellent work already being done in the College.”