We are delighted to announce the appointment of Marisa S. Bartolomei, PhD, Perelman Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, as the new Director of the Center for Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine (formerly known as the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM).
Dr. Bartolomei has made instrumental discoveries in advancing epigenetic control of genomic imprinting, which continue to propel the field, in particular for healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Her leadership as co-director of the Epigenetics Institute has been invaluable to our research and training community. Recently awarded the 2024 March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD prize, which “honors an outstanding scientist who has advanced the science that underlies our understanding of pregnancy, birth, and prenatal development,” Dr. Bartolomei is a leader in female-based and -biased diseases.
Dr. Bartolomei received her BS from the University of Maryland and PhD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She subsequently trained as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Shirley Tilghman at Princeton University. In 1993, Dr. Bartolomei was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, rising to Professor in 2006. She received the 2006 Society for Women‘s Health Research Medtronics Prize for Contributions to Women‘s Health. In 2011, Dr. Bartolomei received the Jane Glick Graduate School Teaching Award for the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, which recognizes excellence in graduate teaching, mentoring, and education. She was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2014. Dr. Bartolomei is the recipient of the 2017 Genetics Society Medal (UK Genetics Society), 2022 Society for the Study of Reproduction Research Award and is a Member of National Academy of Sciences.
In addition to her numerous accolades, Dr. Bartolomei is a revered mentor, one of our strongest advocates for and role model of women in science, and her imprint on our campus is evident through her involved leadership of initiatives such as the PSOM Portrait Review Committee.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bartolomei on this new leadership role and thanking her for her continued service and contributions to our scientific community.