First female dean of agriculture appointed at UCD
Professor Karina Pierce at UCD Lyons Farm. Picture: Moya Nolan
Professor Karina Pierce has been appointed dean of agriculture at University College Dublin (UCD), becoming the first woman to assume the position.
Professor Pierce, who is professor of dairy production at UCD, will assume the role on September 1, and succeeds Professor Frank Monahan, who has served as dean of agriculture since 2021.
Prof Monahan said: “I am delighted to congratulate Professor Pierce on this historic appointment. Karina is internationally recognised for her outstanding contributions to teaching and research, particularly through her work at UCD Lyons Farm and the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
"She has also demonstrated exceptional leadership within UCD and across the agri-food sector, both nationally and internationally. I have no doubt that under her leadership, the school will continue to strengthen its reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation while deepening its engagement with industry and society."
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Prof Pierce graduated from UCD with a bachelor of agricultural science in 2001 and a PhD in animal nutrition in 2005. She is internationally recognised for her research on sustainable dairy cow production systems spanning grassland management, dairy cow nutrition, greenhouse gas emissions and farm profitability.
She is also widely respected across the Irish and international agri-food sector. Prof Pierce served as president of the Agricultural Science Association from 2011 to 2012 and was awarded a Nuffield Ireland scholarship in 2019, where she explored how research and innovation can help future-proof the agri-food sector.
She currently serves as a board member of Bord Bia and has previously served on the boards of Agri Aware, the Teagasc Authority and Nuffield Ireland.
Prof Pierce said: "As we celebrate 100 years of agricultural education at UCD, we have an exciting opportunity to build on our proud heritage while shaping the future of agriculture, food, forestry and horticulture.
"I look forward to working with colleagues, students, alumni, industry partners and policymakers to further enhance the school's reputation as a national and global leader in teaching, research, innovation and societal impact."
