
Dr. Corcoran joined the faculty at Rice University in 1980. Her research was focused on experimental particle physics. In 2005, when the Faculty Senate at Rice University was founded, Professor Corcoran was its first speaker. During her career at Rice, Professor Corcoran was a strong advocate for promoting the careers of women in science.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Professor Corcoran earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Dayton. She held a Ph.D. from Indiana University in Bloomington.


