Dean Nancy Andrews, MD, PhD sent notice to School of Medicine Faculty that cell biologist Jo Rae Wright, PhD, has died.
It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of Jo Rae Wright, former vice dean for basic sciences for the School of Medicine, and former dean of the University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Jo Rae made enormous contributions to both science and education. Her research focused on how the lung manages both the mechanical and the immunological feats needed for gas exchange in an environment with pathogens, allergens and pollutants. Among many, one of her most notable achievements was to serve as president of the American Thoracic Society in 2008-2009.
At the same time, her dedication to students was exceptional. She told colleagues “I love research and the idea that maybe we’ll discover something that will cure disease. But what gives me pleasure every day is working with my students and postdocs and junior scientists and getting them to be independent thinkers and scientists.”
Jo Rae joined Duke in 1993 as an associate professor of cell biology. It wasn’t long before her remarkable energy and commitment to help others led her to positions in administration – initially in the School of Medicine and later for the University. In 2006 she was named dean of the graduate school and vice provost for graduate education, overseeing a wide spectrum of programs and resources. Her leadership saw the establishment of tuition remission, the launch of the online application, creation of a childcare and adoption accommodation policy, expansion of career and professional development resources and much more.
After stepping down from her position as dean of the Graduate School in October, the University established the Jo Rae Wright Fellowships for Outstanding Women in Science. Each year, the graduate school will recognize one Ph.D. student in the biomedical sciences and one in the natural sciences whose research shows particular creativity and promise.
Funeral arrangement details will be forthcoming.
See also Duke Flags Lowered: Mentor, Scholar and Administrator Jo Rae Wright Dies.
Jo Rae made enormous contributions to both science and education. Her research focused on how the lung manages both the mechanical and the immunological feats needed for gas exchange in an environment with pathogens, allergens and pollutants. Among many, one of her most notable achievements was to serve as president of the American Thoracic Society in 2008-2009.
At the same time, her dedication to students was exceptional. She told colleagues “I love research and the idea that maybe we’ll discover something that will cure disease. But what gives me pleasure every day is working with my students and postdocs and junior scientists and getting them to be independent thinkers and scientists.”
Jo Rae joined Duke in 1993 as an associate professor of cell biology. It wasn’t long before her remarkable energy and commitment to help others led her to positions in administration – initially in the School of Medicine and later for the University. In 2006 she was named dean of the graduate school and vice provost for graduate education, overseeing a wide spectrum of programs and resources. Her leadership saw the establishment of tuition remission, the launch of the online application, creation of a childcare and adoption accommodation policy, expansion of career and professional development resources and much more.
After stepping down from her position as dean of the Graduate School in October, the University established the Jo Rae Wright Fellowships for Outstanding Women in Science. Each year, the graduate school will recognize one Ph.D. student in the biomedical sciences and one in the natural sciences whose research shows particular creativity and promise.
Funeral arrangement details will be forthcoming.
See also Duke Flags Lowered: Mentor, Scholar and Administrator Jo Rae Wright Dies.