COS DEI Workshop: Faculty Retention Seminar

COS DEI
Faculty Retention Seminar

Mariana K. Holz, Ph.D., MPH
Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
New York Medical College

Abstract:
Policies that promote faculty retention and success are a critical component of an inclusive and supportive academic environment. Retaining talented faculty members is crucial for the ultimate objective of any university – providing the best education that meets the goals of its students. To achieve this goal, it is essential to implement best practices that prioritize faculty well-being, professional development, and opportunities for growth and promotion. The first strategy for faculty retention is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive institutional culture where faculty members feel valued, respected, and supported in their research, scholarly activities, teaching and service. Another strategy is to encourage and support long-term career growth, providing opportunities for faculty to engage in meaningful professional development activities that create pathways for promotion. Third, it is essential to collaborate with department chairs, faculty councils, and senior leadership to identify specific challenges, unique needs and priorities of each academic unit, and to create opportunities for improvement. By valuing input from faculty members and implementing evidence-based practices, institutions can develop practical retention strategies that are responsive to the diverse needs of their academic community. This special seminar is funded by AdvanceRIT and hosted in the College of Science.

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Marina K. Holz, Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences came to NYMC from Stern College of Yeshiva University where she served as the Doris and Dr. Ira Kukin Chair in Biology, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and holder of a joint appointment in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She received her B.Sc. in microbiology and immunology with Great Distinction from McGill University and completed her Ph.D. in cell and developmental biology at Harvard Medical School. Bringing to NYMC her passion and leadership in biomedical research and education, Dr. Holz leads an NIH-funded laboratory studying the mechanisms of signaling by hormones and growth factors in breast cancer and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)—a rare lung disease. Her work spans basic science and clinical applications, and has been published in leading journals. The Holz lab has been previously funded by grants from the American Cancer Society (ACS), LAM Foundation, Wendy Will Case Cancer Fund, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Mindlin Foundation, National Cancer Center, and Atol Foundation. Dr. Holz also serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals and participates in grant review study sections for the NIH, Department of Defense, ACS, LAM Foundation, and many international funding agencies. Dr. Holz was also appointed to a three-year term of the Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to advocate for women in biochemistry and molecular biology, both in academia and in industry.

Intended Audience:
All are Welcome!

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