George Day – 5 Years

George received his Bachelor’s degree in biology from UCLA and a Master’s degree in forensic science with a concentration in DNA analysis from UC Davis. He started at Cornell in 2020 working as a technician in the Buckler lab for 2 years. George then joined the Genomics Facility in the High-throughput Genomics group helping prepare WGS and transcriptomic libraries. Earlier this year George transitioned to the Sequencing portion of the Facility where he is responsible for processing Quality Control samples for internal projects as well as customer submitted samples. George also helps with other processes when needed within the Genomics Facility. Many research programs benefit from his contributions. George is personable and is a valuable member of the team. 

Paul Munn – 5 Years

After working as a consultant in the IT industry, Paul joined Cornell University to get his master's degree in computer science, and a Ph.D. in computational biology with Dr Charles Danko. Paul is fascinated by genomics and the application of machine learning to the study of gene interactions and complex diseases. He joined the Genomics Innovation Hub in 2020, where he develops pipelines to process data for a variety of applications that utilize GIH methods, including bulk epigenomics assays, linked reads, and single-cell profiling. His passion for emerging AI methods and tools keeps him on the cutting edge as he develops new Apps for genomics. Paul’s positive attitude and sense of humor contribute to him being an awesome team member.

Amy Lyndaker – 10 Years

This year, we proudly celebrate Dr. Amy Lyndaker's ten years of exceptional service and leadership at Cornell University. Amy earned her Ph.D. with Eric Alani and completed postdoctoral research with Bob Weiss. Amy brings her deep expertise in molecular genetics and a collaborative spirit to the Epigenomics Core (EGC). She has played a transformative role in shaping the core’s growth and success. Amy was instrumental in bringing ATAC-seq, MNase-ChIP-seq, and other custom epigenomic assays online for the EGC, expanding the range of cutting-edge genomic assays available to researchers across Cornell and beyond. She continues to guide the integration of new technologies with remarkable insight and precision, ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of epigenomic innovation. In addition to her technical leadership, Amy’s talent for project management and her calm, thoughtful approach make her a trusted partner to both staff and users. She deftly balances the many moving pieces of core operations, from coordinating complex studies to onboarding new methods, while maintaining an environment that is organized, inclusive, and welcoming. Her colleagues know Amy not only for her expertise but also for her kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication to the success of others. She leads by example, supporting her team through challenges big and small and fostering a spirit of collaboration that strengthens the entire community. Amy’s decade of service reflects her deep commitment to advancing research excellence and nurturing a culture of respect and learning. We are grateful for all she has contributed (and continues to contribute!) to the EGC, the Cornell Institute of Biotechnology, and the entire Cornell community.

Sara Miller – 15 Years

Sara Miller has run administrative operations for the Buckler lab for 15 years. This has involved working with dozens of employees, hundreds of graduate students and post doctoral associates, and thousands of collaborations and grants over the years. She handles the operations of multiple federal grants and international collaborations. Her legal background and skills have greatly benefitted the lab, as well as the USDA and Biotech. Sara makes sure that each and every person in the lab community is heard and respected, and helps to build community and consensus.  Sara is unfailingly kind, generous, and compassionate.  Congratulations to Sara on 15 years of service, with many thanks for everything she does for her colleagues and Cornell.

John Flaherty -20 Years

John Flaherty has led the desktop and network support team in the Bioinformatics Facility for 20 years, providing steady leadership, deep technical expertise, friendliness and dedication that enabled the team’s success. His approachable and thoughtful manner, combined with exceptional problem-solving skills, have made him an invaluable resource to colleagues and customers alike. Congratulations to John on this remarkable 20-year milestone — we deeply appreciate your contributions and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success together.

Xiaoyun Wang—20 Years

Xiaoyun Wang received a Bachelor’s degree from Nanjing University School of Forestry (Nanjing, China) and in 1999 joined the Cornell Institute for Genomic Diversity. In 2004, she switched departments to work in Andy Clark’s lab (Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics), and in 2008 moved to Fargo, North Dakota. In 2014, Xiaoyun returned to the Genomic Diversity Facility where Xiaoyun was a member of the lab team that, in conjunction with Ed Buckler’s lab, developed GBS (genotyping-by-sequencing). The GBS technology advanced genomic research by enabling previously unattainable genomic analyses of dozens of plant and animal species. After the Genomic Diversity Facility was incorporated into the BRC Genomics Facility, Xiaoyun has been a part of the High-throughput Genomics group helping prepare WGS and transcriptomic libraries. Xiaoyun has been integral to the success of the Genomics Facility and remains a valuable member of the Genomics Facility team.

James VanEe – 30 Years

Congratulations to James on 30 years of service at Cornell and Biotech!  James’s first job at Cornell was a lab technician in the Analytical Chemistry and Peptide/DNA synthesis facility following his graduation from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1995.  Over the years, he has worked in technical and management roles with core facilities. He has devoted lots of time to several national and regional professional groups such as the Association of the Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) and the Northeast Regional Life Sciences Core Directors (NERLSCD), where he is well known and respected. Earlier this month, James took on a new role in the Bioinformatics facility where he will work on BioHPC, LIMS, software licensing and IT support, while also providing metrics data and customer outreach support for BRC.