ROBIN DAVISSON was named president and CEO-elect of the Melanoma Research Alliance effective Oct. 1.
Davisson, the Andrew Dickson White Professor of Molecular Physiology at Cornell University, brings to MRA more than 25 years of internationally recognized scientific research and deep engagement in graduate student and postdoctoral education and mentoring.
She was recently elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She recently served as the director of graduate studies of the Molecular and Integrative Physiology field at Cornell for seven years.
Prior to joining Cornell, Davisson was a tenured member of the faculty of the University of Iowa where she taught and researched neuroscience, cardiovascular physiology, and genomics.
“Robin’s track record of research and leadership will guide MRA into its next phase as we look to advance the organization and our impact on the field of melanoma research,” said Debra Black, MRA co-founder and chair. “Recent landmark advances in melanoma treatment have provided new options for patients, but existing therapies still benefit too few. With Robin at the helm, MRA is poised to accelerate strategic, collaborative, and accountable research efforts needed to advance cures and prevent more melanoma.”
Davisson’s engagement with MRA will be phased in gradually throughout 2015 and into 2016 as she fulfills her commitments at Cornell University.