Frederick R. Maxfield, Ph.D.

Dr. Frederick R. Maxfield has been at the forefront of using innovative quantitative fluorescence microscopy methods to elucidate the cell biology and biochemistry of cellular membrane traffic. He has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of mechanisms of intracellular transport of proteins and lipids. Recently, he has described novel pathways for extracellular hydrolysis of lipids and proteins by lysosomal enzymes, and these groundbreaking studies are providing novel insights into Alzheimer’s amyloid degradation, adipose inflammation and processes leading to development of atherosclerotic plaques. 

In addition to his research programs, Dr. Maxfield has contributed to several scientific and educational activities. He has trained 15 doctoral students and 50 postdoctoral fellows, including several who have gone on to distinguished independent careers. He has served as a regular member and chair of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association study sections. He has also been a member and frequent chair of over 35 ad hoc NIH study sections. Dr. Maxfield has served as President of the Harvey Society and the New York Society for Experimental Microscopy and has been an editor for several journals. 

Union College, Schenectady, NY
BS 06/1971 Chemistry

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
PHD 05/1977 Chemistry

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Postdoctoral Fellow 08/1977
Laboratory of H.A. Scheraga

National Cancer Institute, Bethesda
MD Postdoctoral Fellow 12/1979
Laboratory of Ira Pastan

1979 - 1983
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY

1983 - 1987
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY

1987 - 1987
Professor of Pharmacology
NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY

1987 - 1995
Professor of Pathology and Physiology (and in the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior)
Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY

1995 - Present
Vladimir and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Professor and Chair of Biochemistry
Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY

2014 - Present
Interim Chair of Cell & Developmental Biology
Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY