Kathryn J. Boor, Ph.D

Kathryn Boor’s entire career has been driven by a passionate commitment to New York State’s farm and food community. Ms. Boor grew up on a small family dairy farm in Chemung County and served as the Chemung County Dairy Princess. These were the first steps in a journey that has taken her to Wisconsin, Kenya, and California, before returning to her roots in 1994, where she became the first woman on the Department of Food Science faculty at Cornell University.

Appointed Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in 2010, Dr. Boor oversees the second-largest college at Cornell University.

Armed with a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Dr. Boor established the Food Safety Research Laboratory at Cornell University, which today is a renowned leader in improving the safety and quality of New York’s and the nation’s food supply. She has always remained true to her roots in the dairy industry, with her lab staying focused on the quality and safety of locally produced fluid milk and dairy products.

Under Dr. Boor’s direction, the College has redoubled its efforts to meet emerging needs spanning from farm to consumer. She is currently working to establish an Institute for Digital Agriculture, and has brought new life into student majors including Environmental Sciences & Sustainability and Plant Sciences. Dr. Boor has revitalized food product development and food safety training with, among numerous initiatives, the establishment of an Institute for Food Safety.

Dr. Boor’s leadership of Cornell CALS has played a central role in making the Empire State’s farm and food community a national and worldwide leader.

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