Marilyn Simons is a philanthropist focused on funding basic research. A co-founder of the Simons Foundation, she serves as chair of the foundation’s board of trustees.

In addition, Marilyn serves as chair of the board of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, is a member of the board of the National Museum of Mathematics, and an advisory board member of Sandbox Films, a film studio dedicated to illuminating the art and beauty of scientific inquiry.

In 2014, Marilyn founded the Stony Brook Women’s Leadership Council, a mentoring program for outstanding undergraduate women at Stony Brook University. She currently serves as the Council’s chair.

Marilyn also oversees the philanthropic work of the MJS Foundation, a private family foundation in New York.

Marilyn received a B.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.