- November 2025 to November 2026 -
Please join us in recognizing our very talented and dedicated staff who have reached major service milestones at Cornell in the last year!

Bethany Fallon Econopouly - 5 Years of Service 

Dr. Bethany Econopouly joined the Buckler Lab bringing a background in wheat genetics and breeding, along with experience in grant and strategy development in international agricultural research. She arrived while campus was still operating under pandemic restrictions and built her partnerships at a time when travel and in-person collaboration were still limited. As International Applied Genomics Lead, Bethany works alongside partners in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa to bring genomic tools to the breeding of underfunded crops. She led the development of the cassava pangenome, a major new resource for cassava breeders, and has helped build many other resources for partner countries. These include a genomic prediction initiative for sorghum with scientists in Senegal and Costa Rica, a review of genomic resources for millets written with colleagues in Senegal and Uganda, and an influential model that helps breeding programs design more efficient pipelines. When funding for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement ended last year, Bethany faced that setback with the same commitment she brings to everything she does. Exceptionally organized and deeply dedicated to helping those with less access to resources, Bethany ensures that advances in genomics reach the breeders and farmers who need them most, and that this work leads to real breeding outcomes that help feed the planet. 

Congratulations to Bethany on 5 years of service!

Yassi Hafezi - 10 Years of Service

Yassi received her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2011. She has a breadth of experience in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, evolution and development. Prior to joining the BRC Genomics Facility in 2023, she was a research scientist working jointly with Andrew Clark and Mariana Wolfner in MBG. As the Senior Project Manager, Yassi leads the single-cell and spatial profiling projects in the Genomics Facility, including adopting new emerging technologies and consulting closely with Cornell researchers and everything in between. Her energy and high expectations combine to deliver gold standard results for some of our most exciting technologies.

Congratulations to Yassi on 10 years of service at Cornell!

Tina Abratte - 15 Years of Service

When Tina joined the BRC, she brought a strong background in research as a veterinary technician. Through sustained, self‑directed effort here, she mastered multiple imaging modalities, including echocardiography, X‑ray CT, and bioluminescence imaging, alongside gas anesthesia and quantitative image analysis. Today, she seamlessly transitions between teaching standard echocardiography in one room and quantifying luciferase expression in another. Tina trains and assists users in instrument operation, imaging protocols, and animal handling by providing clear, methodical instruction that increases user confidence and data quality. This expertise, achieved entirely without formal coursework, reflects extraordinary initiative and dedication. As a manager, she is somehow demanding and positive at the same time, enabling us to operate fairly and effectively, while ensuring that we are fully organized with respect to billing, safety and compliance issues.  She is indispensable to the smooth running of our operations.

Congratulations to Tina on 15 years of service! 

Adrian McNairn - 15 Years of Service

Adrian received his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2004 from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Prior to joining the Genomics Innovation Hub (GIH) in 2020, Adrian developed experience in several research and teaching positions, most recently with John Schimenti in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. In GIH, Adrian developed novel tools for epigenomics profiling and extended combinatorial barcoding methods for multiomic single-cell readouts. In early 2025, Adrian joined the Genomics Facility as the Assistant Director. With his wealth of experience in genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and a variety of model organisms from yeast to mouse, Adrian brings considerable expertise in experimental design and the application of genomics technologies to his current role. His knowledge and leadership are critical to the Genomics Facility staying up to date with the latest technologies and launching new services to meet the needs of genomics researchers at Cornell. 

Congratulations to Adrian on 15 years of service!

Michael Sledziona - 15 Years of Service

Mike Sledziona has had Cornell roles as a lab manager, research technician, and research support specialist, but for the past nearly 5 years has been an asset to the BRC Flow Cytometry Facility team. He has diverse research experiences ranging from small and large animal surgeries, software code development, clinical sample diagnostic testing, conventional molecular biology techniques, and ongoing experiences in systems engineering. His diligence and detail-oriented mindset is invaluable for performance diagnostics, and preventative and reparative maintenance of all facility instruments. He also trains and educates dozens of users each year on how to operate flow cytometers. His flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile for the facility does not go unnoticed. 

Congrats to Mike for 15 years of service, and thank you for being a valuable worker in multiple roles at Cornell over the years!  

Robert Bukowski - 20 Years of Service

Robert Bukowski joined the Bioinformatics Facility in 2006, bringing an exceptional combination of scientific expertise, computational knowledge, and technical skills. His distinguished research background began in quantum chemistry, where he conducted advanced theoretical studies of water molecules and published in leading scientific journals. Before joining Cornell, Robert worked at the University of Delaware, where he continued his scientific research.

Robert's broad knowledge of computational algorithms, programming, and Linux system administration made him an ideal addition to the Bioinformatics Facility during a period of rapid expansion. Over the past 20 years, he has become an indispensable member of the team, contributing to both the development and operation of the facility's computing infrastructure and its research collaborations. His responsibilities span high-performance computing systems, hardware, system administration, and scientific research--areas in which his deep technical understanding and exceptional problem-solving abilities have been invaluable. Robert's intellectual rigor, versatility, and dedication have played an essential role in the facility's continued success. We are proud to recognize his 20 years of outstanding service at Cornell University and look forward to his continued contributions.

Johanna Dela Cruz - 20 Years of Service

Johanna earned her doctorate in Chemistry from Michigan State University, specializing in coherent laser control of optically activated processes. After completing a postdoc at Cornell in nonlinear microscopy, Johanna now manages our 13 microscopes. She trains users across the full spectrum of systems, from standard fluorescence and phase contrast to multiphoton, SHG, and super-resolution imaging. Kind, capable, and approachable regardless of a user's experience level, she is our go-to source for system capabilities and practical guidance, training hundreds of users on advanced imaging every year. Beyond technical training, Johanna offers thoughtful scientific support by helping researchers choose the right modalities and interpret their results. She is passionate about broader education; she hosts campus-wide workshops on basic image analysis and runs a YouTube channel on optical microscopy (with over 5,000 followers and 126 videos at last count). Johanna's presence is simply invaluable to our facility and we congratulate her on 20 years of service.

Weiwei Yan - 20 Years of Service

Congratulations to Weiwei Yan on reaching 20 years of service at Cornell University!

Since joining the Center for Life Science Ventures as Lab Operations Manager in May 2023, Weiwei has brought a wealth of technical expertise and hands-on experience across microbiology, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, sequencing, and laboratory operations. His broad skill set makes him an invaluable resource to the startups and research teams we support.

Managing a shared laboratory in an incubator environment requires balancing the diverse and often urgent needs of multiple companies, each with different technical requirements and priorities. Weiwei does this exceptionally well while ensuring our facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements. Weiwei has also expanded his responsibilities to support the Praxis Center, embracing new challenges, learning new processes, and adapting to the evolving needs of our entrepreneurial community.

We greatly appreciate Weiwei's expertise, flexibility, and dedication. Thank you for 20 years of outstanding service to Cornell!

Tami J. Magnus - 25 Years of Service

Tami joined the Cornell University Budget Office as a financial analyst in 2001. Prior to joining Cornell, Tami worked for Tioga County community mental health services, county workforce and economic development, and regional public health in the HIV/AIDS field. She completed her MBA at Binghamton University in health care administration.

Following the University Budget Office role, Tami was promoted to Library Director of Finance and Budget. In 2015, Tami accepted the position of Executive Director for the Cornell Institute of Biotechnology, combining her interests in administration, science, health, and economic development. She manages operations of the Biotechnology Resource Center and the New York State Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) program, and provides oversight to other programs, awards, and centers administered through the Institute of Biotechnology. This role requires creative problem solving and an ability to calmly navigate both expected and unexpected challenges on a daily basis, which Tami does with deftness and perseverance. 

Outside of work, Tami is a dedicated equestrian. She enjoys lessons and trail riding with her Tennessee Walker/Arabian horse Rocheryn, live music and theater including the annual Grassroots Festival with her husband Pete, and neighborhood walks with her two dogs Luna and Buffy. Tami and Pete enjoy time with and visiting their grown children Erin and Kira, including occasional trips to Colorado and Texas.

Congratulations to Tami on 25 years of service at Cornell! 

Qi Sun - 25 Years of Service 

Qi Sun joined the Computational Biology Service Unit, now known as the Bioinformatics Facility, in 2001 and has been instrumental in its development and success over the past 25 years. As one of the founding members of the facility, Qi has played a central role in establishing its research capabilities and building a strong foundation for its continued growth. His exceptional scientific expertise, intellectual curiosity, and dedication have made him an invaluable member of the team.

Qi focuses primarily on research collaborations, contributing his expertise to numerous successful multi-institutional projects and serving as co-Principal Investigator on major research grants. Among his notable contributions is his involvement in VitisGen, a highly successful collaborative research initiative that has now entered its third phase. Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Qi is deeply valued for his remarkable analytical abilities, integrity, and willingness to offer thoughtful, insightful, and honest advice. His contributions have been essential to the success of the Bioinformatics Facility, and we are delighted to recognize his 25 years of outstanding service at Cornell University.

Jaroslaw Pillardy - 30 Years of Service

Jaroslaw (Jarek) received his Ph.D. from Warsaw University in the field of theoretical chemistry. Following his interest in advanced computational methods, Jarek completed his postdoctoral studies at Cornell University where he developed massively parallel computing approaches to answer protein folding questions. 

In 2004, Jarek became the director of the Bioinformatics Facility, then known as the Computational Biology Service Unit. He designs, deploys, and manages advanced computational tools, and participates in computational biology research. Jarek and his team have worked extensively with life scientists at Cornell and other academic institutions providing storage, software, training, and computational solutions, serving over 340 principal investigator groups last year. He is currently leading initiatives to expand Bioinformatics services to build Cornell’s AI knowledge base and develop resources for AI enabled research in the life sciences.

When he is not at work, Jarek is an accomplished amateur astronomer who owns an array of telescopes in his private observatory. He found a love of astronomy and astrophysics while in middle school. As his knowledge of the cosmos expanded, he built a small observatory at his home and outfitted it with telescopes and computers to watch, track, and photograph celestial objects. Jarek lives with his wife Ewa in Freeville and enjoy camping and spending time with grown children Peter and Ania. Congratulations to Jarek on 30 years of service!

Robert Sherwood - 40 Years of Service 

Robert (Bob) Sherwood works as a Research Support Specialist III and is the lab manager of the Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility in the Institute’s Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC).  Bob received his BS from Columbia University in 1980, with a major in Chemical Engineering, and joined what was then known as the Biotechnology Program at Cornell as a technician in September of 1986. He was promoted to lab manager of the Proteomics Facility in 2008 and a Research Support Specialist III in 2017.  Bob has extensive experience in analytical chemistry and allied technologies such as mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography for analysis of a variety of biological molecules. His job responsibilities include ensuring the orderly operation of the laboratory, operating and maintaining several high-end instruments, conducting troubleshooting of analytical issues of biological samples and providing high-quality services involving proteomics and small molecule analysis for researchers from the Cornell research community and external institutions.  He is supremely dedicated to his work and has contributed to the great success of many research projects across Cornell and outside research institutions. 

Bob is a hardworking and deeply valued colleague, who uninterruptedly delivered outstanding COVID-19 research results throughout the height of the pandemic. Consequently, he won the President’s Award for Employee Excellence in the “Mission Possible” category in 2021. In the last few years, his work on several projects related to immunology and infectious diseases have had great significance to the world at large and continued to contribute to the great success of Cornell Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, further establishing Cornell and the facility as a premier research service provider.

We are very pleased to recognize Bob for his 40 years of service at Cornell. Congratulations!