It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of Maki Inada, former Associate Professor of Biology, on September 15, 2026.
Maki was an outstanding faculty member during her time at IC. She was responsible for a major reworking of the Biochemistry major and developed the first course-based research labs for the introductory biology course that has become an integral part of our curriculum for Biology and Biochemistry majors. Her research on molecular biology helped multiple students begin careers in research and medicine.
Maki began her career at Ithaca College in the biology department in 2009 but less than two years earlier, in 2008 and at only 35 years of age, she was diagnosed with non-smoker’s lung cancer. While initially told her cancer was terminal and untreatable, Maki became one of the early beneficiaries of personalized medicine, where genetic analysis of the tumor DNA showed that her cancer was one of a small population that could be treated with a very specific drug. That drug put her cancer into remission for several years and gave her the 18 years she used to make a difference in this world.
Maki was truly one of a kind. She became an outspoken advocate for cancer research and an inspiration to other patients. Even as she endured numerous surgeries and other cancer treatments, she would say, “I can’t decide if I am the most unlucky or luckiest person in the world.” Her colleagues in Biology will always remember Maki for her infectious laugh, her love of science, and the positive impact she had on everyone she encountered. Maki is survived by her husband Jeff Pleiss, her daughter Mariko, her parents Hitoshi and Misako, her brother Tetsu, and innumerable friends and family who will miss her terribly. A service of remembrance will occur at Muller Chapel on Saturday, October 17, 2026.