Obituary: John Majors, emeritus professor of biochemistry, molecular biophysics, 69

John Majors photo
Majors

John E. Majors, professor emeritus of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Jan. 10, 2018, of a heart attack. He was 69.

Majors was known for key contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly work involving the expression of genes in yeast and viruses. He worked with a team led by Harold E. Varmus, MD, and J. Michael Bishop, MD, whose research revealing how viruses can cause cancer was honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1989.

“John was an invaluable researcher, teacher, collaborator and colleague,” said John A. Cooper, MD, PhD, professor and head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. “He will be remembered for his gentle and thoughtful nature, along with his deep understanding and keen insights on a wide range of scientific topics.”

According to colleagues, Majors was deeply committed to mentorship and training, putting students at the center of his work. He served on the doctoral thesis committees of more than 100 graduate students in the university’s Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS). In 2013, he was one of 10 DBBS faculty named to “The One Hundred Club,” honoring this achievement. Many of his former trainees have gone on to become leaders in their fields.

A scientific symposium will be held later to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John Majors Memorial Fund at Washington University.

Read the full obituary on the School of Medicine site.

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