Cynthia Larive

Cynthia Larive is an American analytical chemist and academic administrator known for her research in metabolomics and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Her scientific work focuses on developing NMR spectroscopy methods to study biological systems, contributing significantly to bioanalytical chemistry. Larive has held prominent leadership roles, including serving as the seventh Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Early life and education

Larive completed her undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park. She then pursued graduate education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry. Her doctoral research, conducted under the guidance of prominent figures in the field, laid the groundwork for her future investigations into separation science and spectroscopic techniques. This foundational period at two major public research universities solidified her expertise in the core principles of analytical chemistry.

Academic career

Following her Ph.D., Larive began her independent academic career as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas. There, she established a research program and taught courses in analytical chemistry. She later moved to the University of California, Riverside, joining its College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. At UC Riverside, she advanced through the professorial ranks, taking on significant administrative duties including serving as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. Her career trajectory demonstrates a consistent commitment to both research university scholarship and academic service.

Research and contributions

Larive's research program is centered on the application of advanced analytical chemistry techniques to solve problems in biological chemistry and biomedical research. A primary focus has been using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for metabolomic studies, which profile small molecules in biological systems. Her laboratory has developed novel NMR methods to investigate the structure and interaction of heparin and other glycosaminoglycans, work relevant to understanding blood clotting and cell signaling. These contributions have been published in leading journals such as *Analytical Chemistry* and have advanced the field of bioanalytical chemistry.

Leadership and administrative roles

Larive has held several major administrative positions. She served as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at the University of California, Santa Cruz before being appointed as its Chancellor in 2019. As Chancellor, she led the campus through significant events including the COVID-19 pandemic and advocated for initiatives in student success, research funding, and campus infrastructure. Prior to this, her role as Vice Provost at UC Riverside involved oversight of undergraduate education programs and academic advising. Her leadership is characterized by a focus on the educational mission of public universities within the University of California system.

Awards and honors

Larive's scientific and professional achievements have been recognized by several prestigious organizations. She was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. She has received honors such as the ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award. Her service to the scientific community includes editorial roles for publications like *Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry* and leadership within the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry.

Category:American chemists Category:University of California, Santa Cruz faculty Category:Chancellors of the University of California, Santa Cruz Category:Analytical chemists