The Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation welcomed Dr. Naoko Tanese as its first Chief Science Officer on of June 1st, 2023.

Dr. Tanese has led a successful career primarily at New York University as a research scientist, professor, Associate Dean for Biomedical Sciences, and Director of the Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences.

The Foundation has increased its philanthropy over the last 10 years to include annual grant programs, support for a few multiyear research projects, a PhD scholar program focusing on a candidate’s first two years of research, and a PhD fellowship program for a candidate’s final three years of research.

Although the Foundation’s grants are by invitation only, its activities and future growth supporting the Foundation’s Mission require the full-time planning, management, and analysis of a research scientist who is also an experienced dean in higher education and understands the overall process of discovery science.

Dr. Tanese, while engaging with universities and individual gift recipients, will also be a vital part of the Foundation’s Science Advisory Board.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors is extremely pleased to add an individual with the skills and experience needed to successfully oversee and manage the Foundation’s programs and further the mission statement of the Foundation.

The Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation was founded in 2006 to support science-based research striving for the advancement of a healthy and sustainable future for humans.