Food Science Professor Carmen Moraru Takes Cornell Leadership Post
Carmen Moraru, the Yongkeun Joh Professor of Food Science at Cornell University, will become the new senior associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) on August 15, 2026.
Moraru will take over the leadership position from Corrie Moreau, who recently left Cornell for a new role at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Moraru has been part of Cornell since 2003 and has held several academic and administrative positions during her more than two decades at the university.
“Carmen has distinguished herself as an exceptional scientist, teacher and academic leader. As chair of the Department of Food Science for two terms, she led the department through a period of growth while fostering excellence in research, teaching and collaboration,” said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS.
“Carmen has devoted her career to advancing the science and practice of food processing while remaining deeply committed to student mentorship and education.”
In her new role, Moraru will help lead one of Cornell’s largest colleges. CALS has 14 departments, three schools, and more than 20 research centers and institutes. The college also maintains international partnerships across more than 61 countries and contributes to New York’s land-grant mission through Cornell Cooperative Extension.
“I am honored to take on this role in CALS, my academic home for more than two decades,” Moraru said.
“Our college is a remarkable place for creating knowledge and advancing food, agriculture and life sciences, and our strength stems from the excellence and dedication of its faculty, staff and students. I am excited to join the team shaping its next chapter alongside our exceptional CALS community.”
Moraru’s research has centered on food processing technologies designed to improve safety, quality and shelf life while increasing the value of agricultural products. Her previous leadership roles include chair of the Department of Food Science, interim director of the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center, and founding faculty director of Global Cornell’s Scholars Under Threat program.
Houlton also recognized Moreau’s contributions to Cornell.
“Corrie has made substantial contributions to the college’s research, teaching and public engagement since joining the faculty, including through her college leadership and her internationally recognized scholarship and leadership in biodiversity science,” Houlton said.
“While we will miss her, I am proud to see her take on this prestigious leadership opportunity and wish her every success in this next chapter.”
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