Brooklyn College is proud to announce that Dr. Lucy Shapiro ’62 has received the prestigious 2025 Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science. Shapiro majored in biology at Brooklyn College while also pursuing her passion for fine art, specifically painting. She was named the Alumna of the Year by the Brooklyn College Alumni Association in 2017 and received a Distinguished Alumni Award at commencement in 1983. She also received an honorary doctorate from the CUNY Graduate Center in 2025. Shapiro’s generosity has made possible Brooklyn College’s Biology Seminar Series, a vital resource that exposes students to the latest discoveries in their fields and the broader world of scientific inquiry. As a former speaker and ongoing supporter of the series, her commitment has enabled the department to broaden its network of distinguished speakers and mentors, extending well beyond New York City. Currently a faculty member at the Stanford University School of Medicine, Shapiro has made seminal contributions to understanding how bacteria coordinate their genetic logic in time and space to produce distinct daughter cells. Her groundbreaking work has provided critical insights into cellular organization, gene regulation, and developmental biology. “Professor Lucy Shapiro’s career exemplifies the brilliance of artistic and scientific exploration, dedication, and leadership,” said Dr. Peter Tolias, the Dean of Brooklyn College’s School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences. “As a proud Brooklyn College alumna, her achievements inspire our students and community to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to an evolving world.” Beyond her scientific discoveries, Shapiro is celebrated for founding Stanford’s Department of Developmental Biology, where she fostered innovation and mentorship for generations of scientists. Her exemplary leadership extends to national and international arenas, shaping policy and advancing biomedical research. The Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award is among the most esteemed honors in medical science, recognizing individuals whose careers have had a profound impact on science and society. Shapiro’s recognition reflects decades of groundbreaking research, mentorship, and leadership in biomedical science. Other celebrated researchers who started their academic careers at Brooklyn College include: Stanley Cohen, ’43 who won both the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1986 and the Lasker Basic Medical Research Award in 1986. Seymour Benzer ’42, who received the Lasker Award in 1971. For more information about Shapiro’s accomplishments and time at Brooklyn College, see this story from Stanford University.
