Leading genetics researcher and well-respected professor Shirley M. Tilghman was named the 19th president of Princeton University on Saturday during a press conference held in Princeton’s Nassau Hall.

The announcement came after a special meeting of Princeton’s Board of Trustees confirmed Tilghman’s selection.

Tilghman, who was originally a member of the presidential search committee, stepped down from that position approximately six weeks ago.

When Tilghman replaces current President Harold T. Shapiro on June 15, she will become the first woman to lead Princeton University and only the second female president of an Ivy League institution.

Princeton Vice President and secretary to the search committee Thomas H. Wright said he feels that the selection of Princeton’s first female president is a major breakthrough.

“I think the committee was a little surprised in actually achieving that, but its something that they always thought would be wonderful, and it’s my personal belief that it’s a wonderful thing,” Wright said.

As a scientist specializing in the field of molecular biology, Tilghman has been at the forefront of such controversial issues as cloning and the human genome project. As a result, she has had to tackle some of the toughest ethical questions scientists have faced in recent decades.

“She is someone who radiates and reflects and is always spoken of in terms of values and character,” said Wright.