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Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Academic building with people outside it.

College Leadership

Leading by example. Leveraging experience.

The leadership of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are also recognized leaders in their own fields, bringing invaluable insight and experience in fostering the continued success of CALS.

Benjamin Z. Houlton, The Ronald P. Lynch Dean

Benjamin Z. Houlton is the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell CALS) and is a professor in the departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology as well as Global Development. An accomplished international scientist, his research interests include global ecosystem processes, climate change solutions, and agricultural sustainability.

As founding co-chair of the California Collaborative for Climate Change solutions, Ben works with researchers from key research institutions to accelerate the translation of research findings into practical climate solutions. He also directs farmland carbon sequestration projects to improve crop yields and create new financial markets for farmers and ranchers. 

Ben has published more than 150 works including peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters and published abstracts as tracked by Google Scholar. As part of his mission to connect scientific discovery with the public, he is also a frequent guest on regional and national news programs. 

Esther Angert, Senior Associate Dean

A professor of microbiology, Esther Angert's responsibilities include faculty affairs, department and program reviews, sponsored research oversight, management of core research funds, and the academic aspects of facilities and human resources.

Sahara Byrne, Senior Associate Dean

A professor of communication, Sahara’s responsibilities include faculty affairs, department and program reviews, management of core research funds, and academic aspects of facilities and human resources.

Corrie Moreau, Senior Associate Dean

A professor of entomology and ecology and evolutionary biology, Corrie Moreau’s responsibilities include overseeing the CALS office of diversity and inclusion, the CALS director of diversity and inclusion, and activating foundational goals and signature initiatives to increase access and success for all and create and sustain a climate of belonging, equity, and inclusion.

Assistant & Associate Deans

  • Anne Brandt, Assistant Dean
  • Sharon Detzer, Associate Dean
  • Sarah Giroux, Associate Dean
  • Ann LaFave, Assistant Dean
  • Xingen Lei, Associate Dean
  • Peter Paradise, Associate Dean
  • Chris Smart, Associate Dean
  • Margaret Smith, Associate Dean
  • Julie Suarez, Associate Dean
  • Andrew Turner, Associate Dean
  • Andy Vail, Assistant Dean