Terri Grodzicker

Terri Grodzicker serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) within the School of Biological Sciences. She joined CSHL in 1972 and has held various positions including Staff Investigator, Senior Staff Investigator, Senior Scientist, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs (1986-2008), and Dean of Academic Affairs (2008-present). Since 1989, she has also served as editor of the journal Genes & Development published by the CSHL Press.

Dr. Grodzicker earned her A.B. in Zoology & Physiology from Wellesley College (1963), followed by an M.S. in Molecular Genetics from Columbia University (1965), and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Columbia University (1969). She completed NIH Postdoctoral training at Columbia University (1963-1969) and Harvard Medical School (1969-1971), where she conducted research on the lac operon and bacteriophage gene regulation.

Dr. Grodzicker's research has focused on molecular genetics and virology, particularly on adenovirus and SV40 systems. Her early work investigated bacterial genetics before shifting to eukaryotic systems. Her most significant contributions involve studying how adenovirus E1A proteins regulate cell growth and transformation, with implications for understanding cancer development. She has made substantial contributions to understanding viral gene expression, DNA replication, and the mechanisms of viral oncogenesis, publishing numerous papers in high-impact journals including Cell, Journal of Virology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Analysis of Dr. Grodzicker's publication history reveals a strong focus on viral oncology during her active research career (1970s-1980s), followed by a shift toward editorial and organizational roles for scientific symposia and journals. Her early work centered on adenovirus molecular biology, particularly the E1A gene products and their role in cell transformation. In later years, her publications reflect her administrative responsibilities at CSHL as she co-edited symposia volumes covering diverse topics from tumor viruses to stem cell biology.

• Alumnae Achievement Award (1985)
• Fellow (2003)

As Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Grodzicker oversees the organization of meetings and short postgraduate courses at CSHL. She began organizing the annual DNA Tumor Virus Meeting during her time as a bench scientist and has been instrumental in developing the Laboratory's academic programs. Her leadership has helped establish CSHL as a premier venue for scientific exchange and education in molecular biology. She also served as Adjunct Associate Professor of Microbiology at Stony Brook University (1981) and has been involved in graduate education throughout her career.

Dr. Grodzicker has been closely associated with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, serving as editor of Genes & Development since 1989. Under her leadership, the journal has expanded considerably. She has also played key roles in organizing numerous Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology, covering diverse topics from tumor viruses to stem cell biology. Her administrative leadership has significantly shaped the academic environment at CSHL for several decades, making her a central figure in the institution's educational mission.