UVA College of Arts & Sciences Names Sarah Kucenas Associate Dean for Research

Sarah Kucenas, co-director of the University of Virginia Brain Institute and Owen R. Cheatham Professor of the Sciences has been named Associate Dean for Research in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Her appointment will begin on July 1, 2025.

Kucenas has been a member of UVA’s faculty since 2009 and co-director of the Brain Institute since 2022. During her time at the Brain Institute, Kucenas worked closely with the neuroscience community to define the Institute’s strategic direction, helping to articulate its core strengths and support the Grand Challenges in Brain and Neuroscience. Her leadership has been defined by a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and researcher support, expanding the Brain Institute’s interdisciplinary network across Grounds.

“Sarah's leadership has made a lasting impact on the Brain Institute,” co-director of the Brain Institute Jaideep Kapur said. “Her dedication and unwavering belief in the power of science and people have shaped not only the Institute’s success, but also each of us who have had the privilege to work alongside her. We wish Sarah all the best in her new role and expect that our paths will continue to cross as we advance neuroscience research at UVA.”

Among her many accomplishments, Kucenas led expansion of trainee-focused initiatives, including the BRAIN Postdoctoral Fellowship and Professional Development Awards to recruit and support neuroscience postdoctoral scholars, as well as the Future Leaders Summer Fellowship, a program designed to support undergraduates exploring careers in neuroscience. She also helped grow the Presidential Fellowship in Collaborative Neuroscience to support graduate students working in two or more neuroscience labs. She played a central role in recruiting new neuroscience faculty to UVA and supporting the successful launch of their research programs.

Working with such a talented and passionate team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” Kucenas said. “I’ve grown as a scientist and leader while being a part of the Brain Institute team. I’ve been able to make new connections across Grounds, see my own discipline through the lens of many different faculty and trainees, and been able to work with a dynamic team of individuals all passionate about moving the neuroscience community forward. All of these experiences set me up for the work I’ll be starting in Arts & Sciences.”

In her new role, Kucenas will oversee and advocate for all research, scholarship, and creative activity in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Her main responsibilities will include proposing and evaluating investments in infrastructure, as well as focal areas for growth across Arts & Sciences and University-wide research activities. She will work closely with the Dean’s Leadership Team, faculty, and staff to champion policies and initiatives that enhance research, support training, and promote scholarly excellence in Arts & Sciences and with the Office of the Vice President for Research and other academic units to strengthen UVA’s research community.

“I’m excited to serve my home school and shape a strategic research plan for Arts & Sciences that enhances undergraduate education, advances graduate excellence, and supports the recruitment and development of exceptional talent,” she said. “I look forward to learning about the many ways our faculty, staff, and trainees are pushing the human experience forward through their discovery, scholarship, and artistic talent.”