MMRL selects Harvard scientist to grow its cardiac research center

UTICA — The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) announced it has appointed Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D. to be its new director of research. 

She will become just the fourth director of research, and the first woman to serve in that role, in the 60-year history of the organization, MMRL said. 

Kontaridis comes to MMRL from Harvard Medical School, where she is currently an associate professor of medicine, and the director of the Basic Cardiovascular Research Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC).

“Through her extensive leadership and research expertise, Dr. Kontaridis’ vision will position the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory as one of the top cardiac research centers in the country and around the world,” David F. Schneeweiss, president of the MMRL board of directors, said in a news release.

Kontaridis received her undergraduate bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida in classics and chemistry. She earned her master’s degrees in pharmacology and biomedical and biological sciences, as well as her Ph.D at Yale University. 

Kontaridis will officially take over day-to-day operations of MMRL in January and will move to the Mohawk Valley with her family in July 2018, the organization said.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory during this pivotal time in its history,” she said.