The College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Molecular Biology invite faculty, students, and the general public to “The Generations of Science and Innovations: Inspired by Professor Ralph Yount,” from 1–6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, in the CUB Jr. Ballroom on the Pullman campus.
The event will honor the research and legacy of professor emeritus Ralph Yount, a pioneering chemical biologist who passed away in June at the age of 93. Several notable speakers, all former students of Yount’s, will share how his work and guidance impacted their research and careers.
“Ralph was an icon at WSU, building its biochemistry department and serving as chair of chemistry multiple times,” wrote Jim Wells, a professor of pharmaceutical science at the University of California, San Francisco and former doctoral student of Yount’s in a memorial tribute posted by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. “Ralph did so much for me and was my inspiration for science.”
Speakers at the afternoon event include:
- Gerry Carlson, professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center
- Ross Dalbey, professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University
- Keith Dunker, professor of biochemistry, Indiana University of Medicine
- Michael Griswold, Regents Professor of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University
- Gerry Hazelbauer, curators distinguished professor emeritus and chair emeritus, University of Missouri
- Bryan Lawlis, owner, Bryan Lawlis Consulting
- Gary Pielak, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lin Randall, professor emerita of biochemistry, University of Missouri
- Mickey Urdea, founder and partner for Halteres Associates
- Jim Wells, professor of pharmaceutical chemistry and cellular & colecular pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco
Yount was a faculty member at WSU for 44 years and was recognized throughout his career for his scholarship and mentorship. In 2001, he was the first recipient of WSU’s Eminent Faculty Award, the university’s highest honor for excellence over an extended period. Two years later, Yount was among the first three faculty members named to the rank of Regents Professor.
Yount was a faculty member at WSU for 44 years. He was the first recipient of WSU’s Eminent Faculty Award, and was among the first three faculty members named to the rank of Regents Professor.
Yount received his PhD in biochemistry from Iowa State University and performed postdoctoral work at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He was a faculty member in chemistry and molecular biosciences, where he pioneered research on adenosine triphosphate (ATP). He was a past president of the Biophysical Society and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and was a long-time editor of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Those planning to attend “The Generations of Science and Innovations: Inspired by Professor Ralph Yount” should RSVP online by Nov. 5.
