Cell Biology Symposium Honors the Distinguished Careers of Drs. Kielian, Scharff, and Stanley
Emeritus status is an honor given to faculty members whose leadership, innovation, mentorship, and scientific achievements have had a significant impact on Einstein and whose legacies will endure for many years to come. On October 16, 2025, the cell biology department hosted a full-day symposium to honor three such faculty members who earned emeritus status in 2025.
From left: Yaron Tomer, M.D, the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean and chief academic officer, Montefiore Einstein; Margaret Kielian, Ph.D., professor emerita of cell biology; Matthew Scharff, distinguished university professor emeritus of cell biology and of medicine; Pamela Stanley, professor emerita of cell biology; and Ulrich Steidl, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of cell biology.
Margaret Kielian, Ph.D., a brilliant molecular virologist who dedicated her career to exploring how viruses interact with their host cells, making key discoveries about the mechanisms viruses use to enter and exit cells. Dr. Kielian has served as director of Einstein’s NIH-funded Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics Training Program, fostering exceptional mentorship, scholarship, and collaboration.
Matthew Scharff, M.D., a world-renowned immunologist and member of the National Academy of Sciences, devoted his scientific life to unraveling one of the most fundamental mysteries in immunology: how antibody diversity is generated. Dr. Scharff served as chair of cell biology and director of our cancer center at Einstein, always with a vision rooted in scientific excellence and community.
Pamela Stanley, Ph.D., a true pioneer in the field of molecular glycobiology, has made discoveries that have transformed our understanding of glycan biosynthesis and genetic regulation, and the roles of glycans in vertebrate development, immunology, and human disease. Dr. Stanley has served as president of the Society of Glycobiology and, here at Einstein, as director of Einstein’s NIH-funded Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics Training Program, associate director for Laboratory Research of the cancer center, and chair of the Faculty Interactions Committee.
Six distinguished scientists in the fields of virology, immunology, and glycobiology spoke at the symposium and many mentees of the honorees traveled to attend and celebrate the scientific achievements of their former mentors as they move to the next phase of their careers. Learn more.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 21, 2025