Professor Emerita of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Debra A. Thompson, PhD, professor in ophthalmology and visual sciences and professor in biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2024.

Professor Thompson received her BS in chemistry in 1974 and secondary education certificate in 1976 from Western Michigan University. She received her PhD in biochemistry in 1984 from Michigan State University where she studied mitochondrial electron transfer with Shelagh M. Ferguson-Miller. From 1984-1989, she pursued postdoctoral training with H. Gobind Khorana at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying the biochemistry of photoreceptor cells in the mammalian retina. In 1990, she joined the University of Michigan faculty as visiting assistant research scientist, then as assistant professor of ophthalmology and assistant professor of biological chemistry; she was promoted to associate professor in 1998 and to professor in 2005.

Professor Thompson is internationally recognized for her research focused on the molecular mechanisms of inherited retinal diseases, particularly those impacting vitamin A metabolism and the function of the photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium. She contributed to the identification of multiple human retinal degeneration genes, including RPE65, LRAT, and RDH12, and performed functional studies of the encoded enzymes using assays of recombinant protein activity and analysis of the retinal phenotypes in corresponding mouse models. She also explored the use of novel therapeutics, demonstrating preclinical proof-of-concept for gene-replacement therapy for early-onset retinal degeneration. Her work was funded by research grants from the NIH, foundations, and industry, and was published in 70 peer-reviewed scientific articles as well as book chapters and abstracts, and benefited greatly from interactions with colleagues and trainees. Professor Thompson also contributed to the medical school curriculum continuously since her faculty appointment, teaching medical students and graduate level courses, and serving on preliminary exam and thesis committees. She was actively engaged in recruiting, serving on admissions committees for the graduate program in biomedical sciences (PIBS), the medical scientist training program (MSTP), the residency program in ophthalmology, and as co-chair of the MS degree program in biological chemistry. She was a long-standing member of the advancements and promotions committee in ophthalmology and visual sciences, and served as a mentor to multiple junior and mid-level faculty, as well as undergraduate and graduate students.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Debra A. Thompson, professor emerita of ophthalmology and visual sciences and professor emerita of biological chemistry. 

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry and Research Professor Emeritus, Michigan Neuroscience Institute | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Michael D. Uhler, PhD, professor of biological chemistry and research professor, Michigan Neuroscience Institute, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on June 30, 2024.

Professor Uhler received his BS degree from Seattle University in 1977 and his PhD degree in biochemistry from the University of Oregon in 1982. After postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and the University of Washington, he joined the faculty at the University of Michigan as assistant professor of biological chemistry and assistant research scientist in the Mental Health Research Institute (current Michigan Neuroscience Institute) in 1988. He was promoted to associate professor of biological chemistry and associate research scientist in the Mental Health Research Institute in 1993 and then to senior associate research scientist in the Mental Health Research Institute in 1997. Professor Uhler was promoted to professor of biological chemistry and research professor at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute in 2002.

Professor Uhler’s research interests have centered on the signaling mechanisms controlling gene expression in cells of the central nervous system, with a major focus on cyclic AMP-protein kinase A signaling. He developed pluripotent stem cells as a model for human neurological disorders and this research resulted in many multi-year research grants from the NIH and private foundations such as the March of Dimes and the Pritzker Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Consortium. Dr. Uhler has over 100 peer-reviewed publications, chapters in books, and presentations at national and international meetings. He served on multiple NIH student sections for and was a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Biological Chemistry for ten years. He received the Research Scientist Recognition Award in 1999. Professor Uhler has had a deep interest in teaching undergraduate, graduate, medical and dental students and received the EBS Teaching Award in 2013 and again in 2014 for these efforts. His interests in graduate education led him to become director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program from 1995-1998 and associate director of the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program from 2001-2003. Within his own laboratory, Professor Uhler mentored 39 undergraduate students, seven master’s students, ten PhD students and seven postdoctoral fellows. Professor Uhler gratefully acknowledges the support and encouragement of his fellow faculty, staff and students here at the University of Michigan during his career.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Michael D. Uhler, professor emeritus of biological chemistry and research professor emeritus, Michigan Neuroscience Institute.

Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry and Research Professor Emerita, Michigan Neuroscience Institute | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Audrey F. Seasholtz, PhD, professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School and research professor in the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2023.

Professor Seasholtz received her BS degree from Juniata College in 1978 and her PhD degree in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1983. After postdoctoral studies at the University of Oregon and Oregon Health Sciences University, she returned to the University of Michigan as an assistant professor of biological chemistry and assistant research scientist in the Mental Health Research Institute (current Michigan Neuroscience Institute) in 1988. She was promoted to associate professor of biological chemistry and senior associate research scientist in the Mental Health Research Institute in 1997, and then to professor of biological chemistry and research professor at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute in 2003. Professor Seasholtz was also appointed as a research associate professor for the reproductive sciences program from 2004-2012.

Professor Seasholtz’s research interests centered on the mammalian stress response, focusing specifically on the corticotropin-releasing hormone system and its regulation and dysregulation in anxiety, depression, and addiction. This research resulted in numerous multi-year NIH grants and multiple young investigator and independent investigator awards from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, over 75 peer-reviewed publications, chapters in books, and presentations at national and international meetings. A gifted teacher, Professor Seasholtz taught biological chemistry to medical students for 35 years, receiving an Award for Teaching Excellence from the Office of Medical Student Education in 2004 and the Kaiser Permanente Pre-clinical Award for Teaching Excellence in medical school curriculum in 2015. She also taught courses for the neuroscience graduate program and served as the associate director of the neuroscience PhD graduate program from 2014-2018, 2019-2020, and 2021-present. She served as interim director of this same program from 2018-2019 and 2020-2021. An outstanding mentor, she served as thesis research mentor to ten PhD students and three MS students, served on many thesis committees, and mentored hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. Administratively, she participated in multiple departmental and institutional committees in biological chemistry, including the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, the neuroscience graduate program, and the Medical School. She received the University of Michigan Research Scientist Recognition Award in 2000.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Audrey F. Seasholtz, professor emerita of biological chemistry and research professor emerita, Michigan Neuroscience Institute.

Associate Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Ruthann Nichols, PhD, associate professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 2023.

Professor Nichols received her MS (1979) and PhD (1983) degrees from Purdue University. Professor Nichols was an assistant research scientist in biochemistry at Purdue University before accepting a position as an assistant professor at the University of Michigan in 1990. Professor Nichols has held the title of associate professor with tenure in biological chemistry since 1996, as well as an adjunct associate professor in chemistry from 2014-2016 and an adjunct associate professor for the undergraduate teaching program from 2017-2019.

Professor Nichols’s research focused on RFamide peptides, a group of structurally related brain-gut peptides conserved in all animals. Delineating molecular mechanisms involved in how a peptide impacts human cardiovascular physiology provides the ability to identify target molecules for drug development and therapy. This research resulted in numerous multi-year AHA, NSF, and NIH funded grants, patents covering intellectual property, over 70 peer- reviewed publications and presentations at international meetings, and serving as a visiting professor at the Università degli Studi di Cagliari (Italy) from 1997-2017. A talented teacher, Professor Nichols gave lectures for multiple courses including Biolchem 415/515 (Introduction to Biochemistry) Biolchem 403/503 (Skills of a Scientist), Biolchem 601 (Tools of a Scientist), Biolchem 212 (Nursing Biochemistry), and Chemistry 120 (Science and Wine). In addition, Dr. Nichols served as a mentor for several students who did independent research in biological chemistry (Biolchem 298, 398, and 499) writing research theses and publishing peer-reviewed articles. These students went onto attain advanced degrees at prestigious graduate, law, and medical schools where many of them are on the faculty. Administratively, she participated in multiple departmental committees in biological chemistry and institutional committees for the Medical School, including leading the UM Radiation Policy Committee as chair since 1999. She received the student-nominated University of Michigan Teaching Award in 1994 and the University of Michigan Endowment for Basic Science Teaching Award in 2012.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Ruthann Nichols, associate professor emerita of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry, Research Professor Emeritus, Biological Chemistry, Professor Emeritus of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, and Professor Emeritus of Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Philip C. Andrews, PhD, professor of biological chemistry, research professor, biological chemistry, professor of computational medicine and bioinformatics in the Medical School and professor of chemistry in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2022.

Professor Andrews received his BS degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1973 and his PhD degree from Purdue University in 1978. He did postdoctoral training at Purdue University from 1979-1984, and then stayed at Purdue as a research associate in the Department of Biochemistry. Professor Andrews was hired as an associate professor at the University of Michigan in 1990 and was promoted to professor in 1996. In 1997, Professor Andrews became a research professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry. During his time moving up the ranks in the tenure track in biological chemistry, Professor Andrews also directed the Protein and Carbohydrate Structure Facility from 1990-2000 and the Michigan Center for Proteome Studies/Michigan Proteome Consortium from 2001-2010. In 2009, Professor Andrews was given an appointment as professor in both the Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics and in the Department of Chemistry, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

Professor Andrews’ research focused on mapping changes in post-translational modifications during shift in biological processes, notably the relative roles of phosphorylation and protein expression in the budding to filamentous growth shift in yeast, the self- assembly of the Golgi apparatus in cell division, and the organization of the mitochondrial membrane protein complexes during metabolic changes. This research resulted in numerous multi-year NIH and NSF funded grants, over 150 peer-reviewed publications, chapters in books and presentations at international meetings. A gifted teacher, Professor Andrews served as course director for Biochem 711 (Grad Seminar) and co-course director for Bioinformatics 551 (Proteome and Metabolome Informatics). Professor Andrews served on numerous thesis committees and mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. He participated in multiple departmental committees in biological chemistry, as well as the Medical School, the Biomedical Research Council and the University Development Committee. He received the University of Michigan Faculty Recognition Award and the Inventor Recognition award in 1998.

 The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Philip C. Andrews, professor emeritus of biological chemistry, professor emeritus of computational medicine and bioinformatics, and professor emeritus of chemistry.

Associate Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Associate Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Roland Kwok, PhD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and associate professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on April 30, 2022. 

Professor Kwok received his BSc degree from Chu Hai College in Hong Kong in 1982, his MSc degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada in 1985, and his PhD degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991. He received his post-doctoral training at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1998, and was promoted to associate professor in 2006.

Professor Kwok’s research focused on how post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and phosphorylation, of factors involved in cell death pathways would determine cell death in cancer cells. He has over 40 peer-reviewed publications and his research helped reveal new targets for drugs in cancer treatment. His work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Cancer Society. He also served as a reviewer for various scientific journals and as a research grant reviewer for the Department of Defense for more than 15 years. In addition to his research, Professor Kwok mentored numerous post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Many of his mentees are now physicians and professors, developing their own contributions at various institutions across the U.S. Professor Kwok served as a member of many preliminary examination and dissertation committees. His latest service was a three-year term as a member of the Academic Performance Committee (APC) and the Advisory Board on Intercollegiate Athletics (ABIA).

The Regents now salute this distinguished scholar by naming Roland Kwok, associate professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology and associate professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Roberta Fuller, PhD, professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 2021.

Professor Fuller received her BS degree from Yale University in 1978 and her PhD degree from Stanford University in 1984. Professor Fuller was an assistant professor at Stanford University from 1987-94. Professor Fuller joined the University of Michigan faculty as an associate professor in 1994, and was promoted to professor in 1999.

Professor Fuller’s research focused on proteolytic processing and protein localization in the secretory pathway. This research resulted in numerous multi-year NIH-funded grants, over 60 peer-reviewed publications, chapters in books and presentations at international meetings. A gifted teacher, Professor Fuller gave lectures for multiple courses including Biolchem 415/515 (Introduction to Biochemistry) Biolchem 578 (Biochemical Techniques), Biolchem 596 (Critical Analysis), Biolchem 452 (Biochemistry II), and most recently co-directed Biolchem 675 (Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Membranes and Organelles) with Dr. Phyllis Hanson. She served as both director and co-director of the Cell and Molecular Biology PhD Program over the course of 17 years. Dr. Fuller also served as the associate chair for the Department of Biological Chemistry from 2000-07. An exceptional mentor, she served on numerous thesis committees and mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. Administratively, she participated in multiple departmental committees in the Department of Biological Chemistry and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology. She received the Faculty Recognition Award from the University of Michigan in 2000 and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for the Advancement of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American Scientist (SACNAS) in 2017.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Roberta Fuller, professor emerita of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Alexander Ninfa, PhD, professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 2021.

Professor Ninfa received his BS degree from Villanova University in 1977 and his PhD degree from Rutgers University in 1983. Professor Ninfa was an assistant professor at Wayne State University from 1989-93. Professor Ninfa joined the University of Michigan faculty as an associate professor in 1993, and was promoted to professor in 1999.

Professor Ninfa’s research focused on bacterial nitrogen regulation, and on elucidating the design principles of natural and synthetic signal transduction systems. This research resulted in numerous multi-year NIH- and NSF- funded grants, over 80 peer-reviewed publications, chapters in books, and presentations at international meetings. A gifted teacher, Professor Ninfa served as course director for Biochem 415/515 (Introduction to Biochemistry) and Biochem 452 (Biochemistry II), and with Professor Emeritus David P. Ballou, developed an undergraduate course in biotechnology and published a widely used textbook. He was both director and codirector of the biological chemistry master’s program since its inception in 2016. An exceptional mentor, he served on numerous thesis committees and mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. Administratively, he participated in multiple departmental committees in biological chemistry, as well as in the Medical School’s Advisory Committee on Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure (ACAPT) and the Biomedical Research Council. He received the University of Michigan’s Henry Russel Award in 1999, was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology in 2011, and was awarded the Endowment in Basic Sciences Teaching Award in 2015.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Alexander Ninfa, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Associate Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry and Associate Research Scientist Emeritus, Biophysics | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Mark A. Saper, PhD, associate professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School and associate research scientist, biophysics in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 2021.

Professor Saper received his BS degree from the University of Connecticut in 1976 and his PhD degree from Rice University in 1983. Professor Saper joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor and assistant research scientist in 1990, and was promoted to associate professor and associate research scientist in 1997.

Professor Saper quickly established himself while a postdoc, yielding three highly cited papers (>8000 citations) on the structure of the human major histocompatibility protein, HLA. He was honored as an HHMI, PEW, and Fulbright Scholar. He developed his international reputation from his structural biology studies of protein tyrosine phosphatases, publishing in journals such as Nature, Science, and Molecular Cell and giving presentations at international meetings. After his 1997 promotion he published structures of two E. coli heat shock proteins in collaboration with UM Professors Bardwell and Jacob. A sabbatical visit to Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2003 resulted in binational funding with Professor Ilan Rosenshine and new research directions studying proteins necessary for the export of bacterial polysaccharide capsule (an essential virulence factor) from enteropathogenic E. coli, including crystal structure determination of one of these proteins. Thereafter he studied the LpoA protein, essential for bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, and an endopeptidase from Vibrio cholerae, also important for cell wall growth. To date, his publications have had over 15,000 citations (h-index=32). He was recognized by his peers as a highly skilled, hands-on crystallographer. Over his thirty years at U-M, Professor Saper taught an intensive course on X-ray crystallography for graduate students (Biophysics 602). He developed a hands-on molecular graphics component for the core Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) course, Biological Chemistry 550 and Chemical Biology 501, and directed student seminar courses (Biol Chem 711 and Biophysics 801). He also lectured in Biol Chem 415/515 (Introductory Biochemistry). He advised undergraduate biochemistry majors, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers and also served on departmental and Medical School committees, including the PIBS and Biophysics Graduate Admissions Committees, as well as the U-M Biomedical Research Council.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Mark A. Saper, associate professor emeritus of biological chemistry and associate research scientist emeritus, biophysics.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

K.M. Jairam Menon, PhD, professor of biological chemistry in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Biological Chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on June 30, 2019.

Professor Menon received his BSc degree (with first class honors in chemistry) from the University of Bombay in 1959 and his BSc (Tech) degree from the Department of Chemical Technology, University of Bombay in 1962. He was a graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Ralph I. Dorfman at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology and received his PhD degree from Boston University in 1967. He then joined the laboratory of Dr. Michael Smith at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver as a post-doctoral fellow working in the area of molecular biology from 1967-70. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1970, and was promoted to associate professor in 1975, and professor in 1981. He served as the interim chair (1990-91) and associate chair (1993-96) of the Department of Biological Chemistry. He also served as director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology's Division of Research from 1994-2015.

Professor Menon developed a vigorous research program in the area of mechanism and regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the ovary, structure/function studies of the luteinizing hormone receptor, LH regulated signal transcription, and RNA-binding protein- mediated post transcriptional regulation of the LH receptor. His research was continuously funded by the NIH throughout his faculty career at Michigan. Professor Menon's main grant from the NIH was continuously funded for 41 years and he received an NIH MERIT Award in 2002. He published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals and edited four books. He served on numerous editorial boards and NIH study sections as well as the VA MERIT grant review panel. Professor Menon taught medical students, undergraduates, and graduate students throughout his tenure. He received the University of Michigan's Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award (1999), the Impression 5 Science Museum's Michigan Scientist of the Year Award (2006), and the Medical School's EBS Basic Science Teaching Award in Biochemistry (2010), and was inducted into the Medical School's League of Research Excellence (2014).

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming K.M. Jairam Menon, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Erik R.P. Zuiderweg, PhD, professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 2018.

Professor Zuiderweg received his BSc (1973) and MSc (1975) degrees from the University of Amsterdam and his PhD (1980) degree from the University of Nijmegen. He was a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Groningen and ETH Zurich. Professor Zuiderweg joined a research team at Abbott Laboratories in Chicago to help establish nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) as a tool in rational drug design. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as a professor in 1991.

At the University of Michigan, Professor Zuiderweg contributed to NMR methodology development. He focused on the structure, dynamics, and interactions of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperones mainly using NMR. Hsp70s are major players in tumor survival and Alzheimer's disease; modulation of the Hsp70 function is increasingly proposed as a possible avenue for therapy in both diseases. Professor Zuiderweg was also passionate about studying (thermo) dynamics using NMR, contributing to the now (almost) universal understanding that protein molecular dynamics is essential to protein function. During his tenure at the University of Michigan, Professor Zuiderweg served as the acting director of the Biophysics Research Division and as the principal investigator of the University of Michigan node of the Michigan Center for Structural Biology. Professor Zuiderweg taught biochemistry at the undergraduate and graduate levels and served on departmental committees in biological chemistry and biophysics, as well as on national study sections. He was a pioneer in NMR technology and passed along his expertise to a number of faculty and students in order to continue the exploration of NMR. In his retirement, Professor Zuiderweg plans to relocate to the Netherlands to assist a local university with NMR technology and also potentially create his own business in collaboration with former UM faculty to develop new uses for NMR technology.

The Regents now salute this distinguished teacher and researcher for his dedicated service by naming Erik R.P. Zuiderweg, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry and Professor Emeritus of Biophysics | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Ari Gafni, PhD, professor of biophysics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, professor of biological chemistry, and research professor, Institute of Gerontology, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on January 2, 2018.

Professor Gafni received his BSc (1964) and MSc (1966) degrees from Hebrew University. He received his PhD (1973) degree from the Weizmann Institute of Science. He joined the University of Michigan Medical School faculty as an associate professor of biological chemistry and associate research scientist in 1983, and was promoted to professor of biological chemistry and senior research scientist (now research professor) in 1991. He received an additional appointment of professor of biophysics in 2009.

Professor Gafni's research focused on protein folding diseases and understanding how to quantitatively explore the role of protein misfolding in human disease. He brought to these studies novel methods that integrated biochemical approaches with single molecule imaging and spectroscopy. Professor Gafni 's efforts led to important insights into the integrity of a protein's folded state throughout aging and in the context of specific diseases, such as Alzheimer's related diseases, and to the identification and characterization of cytotoxic protein states that influence human disease states. A remarkable leader, teacher, and mentor, he was actively involved in the training and development of a generation of new scientists at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. Professor Gafni taught a number of core graduate courses in biological chemistry and biophysics, played a pivotal role in the development of the biophysics undergraduate curriculum, and made important contributions to his respective departments, the Institute of Gerontology, and the University. He was actively involved in a number of professional associations, including the Biophysical Society, the Gerontological Society of America, and the Society of Fluorescence. Professor Gafni was named an American Heart Association Senior Investigator (1982-83), elected a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America (1992), and inducted in The Johns Hopkins University's Society of Scholars (1998). He received the University of Michigan's Distinguished Director Award in 2001.

The Regents now salute this distinguished researcher and teacher by naming Ari Gafni, professor emeritus of biophysics and professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Dean Emerita, Horace H Rackham School of Graduate Studies, Vice Provost Emerita for Academic Affairs-Graduate Studies, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jerome and Isabella Karle Distinguished University Professor Emerita of Chemistry, Professor Emerita of Biophysics and Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Carol A. Fierke, PhD, dean, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, and vice provost for academic affairs-graduate studies, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jerome and Isabella Karle Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry, professor of chemistry, professor of biophysics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and professor of biological chemistry, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 2017.

Professor Fierke received her BA (1978) degree from Carleton College and her PhD (1984) degree from Brandeis University. She served on the faculty of Duke University from 1987-99. Professor Fierke joined the University of Michigan faculty as a professor in 1999. She was named the Jerome and Isabella Karle Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry in 2013. She was appointed dean of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and vice provost for academic affairs-graduate studies in 2015.

Professor Fierke's research focused on understanding the biological function and molecular basis of catalysis and molecular recognition in medically important enzymes and pathways. She authored over 235 peer-reviewed papers, chaired 39 doctoral committees, and mentored 27 postdoctoral scholars and 50 undergraduates in her lab. Professor Fierke served as chair of the Department of Chemistry from 2005-09 and 2010-15. She oversaw the development and implementation of a strategic plan, which led to improvements in the recruitment of women and underrepresented minority faculty, the national rankings, the acquisition of external funding, and graduate student enrollment. A strong advocate for women and people of color in the sciences, her legacy at the University of Michigan includes improving the campus environment for faculty and students as well as her work with the ADVANCE Program to further its mission of diversity and excellence.

The Regents now salute this distinguished scholar by naming Carol A. Fierke, dean emerita, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, and vice provost emerita for academic affairs-graduate studies, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jerome and Isabella Karle Distinguished University Professor Emerita of Chemistry, professor emerita of chemistry, professor emerita of biophysics, and professor emerita of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

David R. Engelke, PhD, interim chair of the Department of Biological Chemistry and professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on September 29, 2015.

Professor Engelke received his BS degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1974 and his PhD degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1979. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1983, and was promoted to associate professor in 1989, and professor in 1996.

An exceptional scientist, teacher, and leader, Professor Engelke has received international acclaim for his pioneering research on the biosynthesis of small RNAs and his contributions in the area of gene silencing and pre-tRNA processing by RNase P. By demonstrating that both the widely scattered RNA genes and the tRNA processing pathway reside in the sub-compartment of the cell nucleus (the nucleolus), Professor Engelke has suggested an entirely new paradigm by which both tRNA expression and maturation may be inextricably linked, and regulated in parallel, via their cellular geography. More recently, he and his colleagues have devised an elegant mechanism to drive siRNA expression with RNA polymerase III and demonstrated the efficacy of this approach in human cells. Professor Engelke held several key administrative positions including founding director of the Program in Biomedical Sciences (1998-2007), assistant dean for graduate and postdoctoral studies in the Medical School (2000-07), associate dean for academic programs and initiatives in the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies (2008-12), founding director of the Michigan Post-baccalaureate Education Program (2009-10), and interim chair of the Department of Biological Chemistry (2013-15). He was awarded multiple honors from the University of Michigan including the Faculty Recognition Award (1993), the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award (2003), and the Rackham Graduate School Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award (2007).

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming David R. Engelke, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

David P. Ballou, PhD, professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 2014.

Professor Ballou received his BS degree from Antioch College in 1965 and his MS and PhD degrees from the University of Michigan in 1967 and 1971, respectively. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an instructor in 1972, and was promoted to assistant professor in 1974, associate professor in 1981, and professor in 1987.

Professor Ballou's research focused on elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of enzymological catalysis through the examination of flavoprotein, hemoprotein, nonheme iron oxygenases, and other redox proteins that can be isolated in homogeneous form. He explored how these enzymes activate oxygen and control reactions with organic compounds utilizing a variety of approaches including spectral and rapid reaction techniques for characterizing active sites and intermediates in the reactions, site-directed mutagenesis to specifically test the roles of particular amino acid residues in each reaction step, and X-ray crystallography. Professor Ballou is a widely recognized expert in flow-related rapid reaction instrumentation including stopped- flow absorbance and fluorescence spectrophotometers and cryogenic and chemical quenching devices. He developed analog computers, extremely high-performance pH meters, data logging devices, software for data management and calculation, and the electronics and optics for highly sensitive ratio fluorimeters and polarization of fluorescence fluorimeters and spectrophotometers. Professor Ballou authored and co-authored over 184 peer-reviewed journal articles, three books, and numerous book chapters. A gifted instructor and dedicated mentor, Professor Ballou taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate biological chemistry courses and served on countless dissertation committees. He received the University' s Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award in 2006.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming David P. Ballou, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Paul A. Weinhold, PhD, professor of biological chemistry, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on June 30, 2012.

Professor Weinhold received his BS degree from Colorado State University in 1957, and his PhD degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1961. From 1961-63, he was a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, serving as chief of the chemistry section in the 5th U.S. Army Medical Laboratory in St. Louis, Missouri. He conducted postdoctoral research in the Department of Biological Chemistry, Harvard Medical School, from 1963-65. Professor Weinhold joined the University of Michigan faculty as assistant professor of biological chemistry in 1965, and was promoted to associate professor in 1972, and professor in 1984. He held an appointment as assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine from 1966-72, and was a supervisory biochemist in medical research at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System from 1970-90.

Professor Weinhold is recognized internationally for his research in phospholipid metabolism, having made significant contributions to elucidating the role of phospholipids in the functioning of pulmonary surfactant. His research on the metabolic pathway for phospholipid synthesis contributed significantly to the understanding of the regulation of the enzyme that is deficient in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Within the Medical School, Professor Weinhold participated in the evaluation and modification of the curriculum, and was instrumental in the oversight of its basic science components. A dedicated teacher who taught biochemistry to first year medical students for over 40 years, he received the Kaiser Permanente Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Medical School in 1994.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Paul A. Weinhold, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry and Research Professor Emeritus, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Amiya K. Hajra, PhD, professor of biological chemistry and research professor, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 2007.

A native of Bengal, India, Professor Hajra received his BSc and MSc degrees from the University of Calcutta in 1953 and 1956, respectively, and his PhD degree from Northwestern University in 1963. He joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1960 as a research assistant in the Mental Health Research Institute (now the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute), where he was mentored by eminent biochemists Drs. Norman Radin and Bernard Agranoff. He was promoted to assistant research biochemist in 1963, associate research scientist in 1968, research scientist in 1982, senior research scientist in 1997, and research professor in 2003. Within the Department of Biological Chemistry, Professor Hajra was appointed assistant professor in 1969, and was promoted to associate professor in 1974 and professor in 1981.

As a member of a research institute dedicated to the brain sciences, Professor Hajra's scholarly contributions reflect significantly on the mission of the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute. Through his extensive biochemical and chemical knowledge and imaginative approach to science, he has contributed substantively to our knowledge of the function of brain lipids. He has amassed an extensive bibliography of scientific publications in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Hajra has been the recipient of numerous honors, including the coveted Javits Award of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke in 1988. His expertise has been further recognized by his service on NIH study sections and on the editorial boards of prestigious biochemical journals.

The Regents now salute this distinguished scholar by naming Amiya K. Hajra, professor emeritus of biological chemistry and research professor emeritus, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute.

G Robert Greenberg Distinguished University Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry, Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry, Research Professor Emerita, Life Sciences Institute, Professor Emerita of Chemistry and Research Professor Emerita, Biophysics Research Division | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Rowena G. Matthews, PhD, G. Robert Greenberg Distinguished University Professor of Biological Chemistry and professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School; professor of chemistry and research professor, Program in Biophysics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; and research professor, Life Sciences Institute, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2007.

Professor Matthews received her BA degree from Radcliffe College in 1960 and her PhD degree from the University of Michigan in 1969. She joined the Department of Biological Chemistry as a research investigator in 1974, and was promoted to assistant professor in 1975, associate professor in 1981, and professor in 1986. She was appointed assistant research biophysicist in the Biophysics Research Division in 1978, and was promoted to associate research biophysicist in 1981, research scientist in 1988 and research professor in 2001. She was appointed the G. Robert Greenberg Distinguished University Professor of Biological Chemistry in 1995, and in 2002 she was appointed professor of chemistry, Department of Chemistry, and research professor and one of six charter faculty in the Life Sciences Institute.

Professor Matthews is internationally recognized for her research on folate and vitamin B12 metabolism. She and her colleagues identified the gene that makes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), one of the enzymes involved in managing blood homocysteine levels that are of biomedical importance in cardiovascular disease, strokes, and birth defects. Professor Matthews received the University's Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award in 1996 and was the Henry Russel Lecturer in 2003. She has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (2002), the Institute of Medicine (2004), and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2005).

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member for her dedicated service by naming Rowena G. Matthews, G. Robert Greenberg Distinguished University Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry, professor emerita of biological chemistry, research professor emerita, Life Sciences Institute, professor emerita of chemistry and research professor emerita, Biophysics Research Division.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Donald E. Hultquist, PhD, professor of biological chemistry, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 2001, following 37 years of service.

Professor Hultquist received his BS and PhD degrees from the University of Rochester in 1952 and 1962, respectively. Following postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota and UCLA, he joined the faculty of the University of Michigan as an instructor in 1964. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1965, associate professor in 1968, and professor in 1979.

In his research laboratory, Professor Hultquist mentored nine biological chemistry doctoral students and a large number of students in undergraduate, medical, and interdisciplinary graduate programs. His research focused on the catalysis of oxidation-reduction reactions in red blood cells and on the functioning of antioxidant systems. Previously unrecognized hemeproteins, copper proteins, reductases, and proteases were isolated, chemically characterized, and studied with regard to biological function and medical significance. He gained particular recognition for the elucidation of the methemoglobin reduction system and the system by which riboflavin prevents oxidative damage in tissues.

Professor Hultquist developed highly successful curricular innovations. He taught the first undergraduate biochemistry course on campus and coupled this with a research-based enrichment seminar. For second-year Inteflex students, he designed and taught a medical biochemistry course which stressed active student participation. For medical students, he incorporated successful aspects of the Inteflex course, developed and taught a pre-matriculation summer course, and set up a clinical correlation program in which fourth-year medical students taught first-year students. He designed individual programs for MD/PhD students and then encouraged the school to apply for funding for a combined MD/PhD program. For his efforts in teaching, he was awarded the University's Outstanding Teaching Award.

Professor Hultquist served for one year as the acting director of the Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology and for thirteen years as director of the medical biochemistry and molecular and cel biology courses. From 1996-2000, he was associate chair of the Department of Biological Chemistry and administrator of its graduate program.

The Regents now recognize this faculty member for his distinguished service by naming Donald E. Hultquist, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Senior Research Scientist Emeritus, Institute of Gerontology, and Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Richard C. Adelman, PhD, senior research scientist and professor of biological chemistry in the Medical School, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2000.

Professor Adelman received his BA degree in 1962 from Kenyon College and his MA and PhD degrees in 1965 and 1967, respectively, from Temple University. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1968-69. He served on the faculty of Temple University from 1969-82 and was founding executive director of the Temple University Institute on Aging from 1978-82. He joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1982 as professor of biological chemistry and director and senior research scientist at the Institute of Gerontology. He served as director of the Institute of Gerontology until 1997.

Professor Adelman's interdisciplinary research interests in gerontology span the biological and social sciences and the humanities, reflecting the scholarly diversity of the institute during his directorship. His major contribution to research on the biology of aging is the discovery that alterations in the hormonal regulation of hepatic enzyme activity in rats provide a molecular basis for the impaired adaptive capabilities that accompany increasing age. His more recent research focuses on how aging shapes the social impact and meaning of diseases in newspaper coverage. His foray into the gerontological humanities relates literary images of aging in the novels, short stories. and essays of John Updike with the historical development of science in gerontology. His 145 publications include research articles, essays, and several edited books.

Professor Adelman has been president of the Gerontological Society of America and has served as chair of the Gordon Research Conference on the Biology of Aging. He has received fellowships from the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association; has served on many funding agency peer review groups, editorial boards, and corporate and community advisory boards; and has received funding for 30 continuous years as principal investigator on individual grants from a broad spectrum of public and private agencies. However, his greatest achievement may be the outstanding multidisciplinary collection of scholars recruited to the Institute of Gerontology under his leadership.

The Regents now salute this faculty member by naming Richard C. Adelman, senior research scientist emeritus, Institute of Gerontology, and professor emeritus of biological chemistry.

Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry | [email protected]

Retirement Memoir

Jules A. Shafer, PhD, professor of biological chemistry, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 1991, after a highly productive career as a teacher and scientific investigator.

A native of New York, Professor Shafer took undergraduate studies at the City College of New York, where he received his BEng degree in chemical engineering in 1959. He received his PhD degree in chemistry from the Polytechnic Institute of New York in Brooklyn in 1963.

After completing his doctoral studies, Professor Shafer accepted a position as a postdoctoral fellow and tutor in the Department of Chemistry at Harvard University. He held that title until 1964, when he was named assistant professor of biological chemistry at the University of Michigan. He was promoted to associate professor in 1969, and to full professor in 1977. He has been vigorous in research and in teaching, has contributed significantly to the present strength of the Department of Biological Chemistry, and is known internationally for his innovative research contributions in the areas of reaction mechanisms for enzymes and protein-protein interactions.

The Regents now salute this distinguished scientist and health educator for his dedicated service by naming Jules A. Shafer, professor emeritus of biological chemistry.