Edward Clark Crossett Professorship

Edward Clark Crossett Professorship. The Edward Clark Crossett Professorship is a distinguished endowed faculty position within the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Established through a generous bequest from the industrialist and philanthropist Edward Clark Crossett, it is permanently housed in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. The professorship supports a senior scientist of exceptional accomplishment, providing crucial resources to advance pioneering research in the life sciences and to mentor the next generation of biomedical researchers.

History and establishment

The professorship was formally established in 1964 following a bequest in the will of Edward Clark Crossett, a prominent figure in the lumber industry and a noted philanthropist from Troy, New York. Crossett, who had a long-standing interest in supporting medical education and scientific research, directed his gift to the University of Rochester, an institution with a renowned history in biomedical science dating to the tenure of George Hoyt Whipple. The endowment was specifically designated for the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, reflecting Crossett's desire to bolster its academic and research mission. The creation of this chair coincided with a period of significant expansion for the University of Rochester Medical Center, reinforcing its commitment to attracting and retaining world-class scientific talent.

Appointment and holders

Appointment to the professorship is a high honor, reserved for a senior faculty member within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics who has demonstrated sustained excellence in research and teaching. The selection process involves rigorous review by university leadership, including the Dean of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Provost of the University of Rochester. Holders are recognized as leaders in their field. The inaugural holder was Harold C. Hodge, a renowned toxicologist. Subsequent notable holders have included Fred Sherman, a pioneer in yeast genetics and molecular biology, and the current holder, David S. Fay, whose work utilizes the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to study developmental biology and genetics.

Academic and research focus

The intellectual scope of the professorship is centered on fundamental biomedical discovery within the broad domains of biochemistry, biophysics, and genetics. Research conducted by its holders has historically addressed core questions in gene expression, protein structure, cell signaling, and molecular genetics. The work of Fred Sherman, for instance, made seminal contributions to understanding the genetic code and gene regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Current research under David S. Fay investigates the genetic networks controlling cell fate determination and tissue development, with implications for understanding human disease. This focus ensures the professorship remains at the forefront of exploring the molecular mechanisms of life.

Endowment and funding

The position is supported by a permanent endowment fund created by the original bequest from Edward Clark Crossett. Managed by the University of Rochester's investment office, the endowment provides a stable, perpetual source of funding independent of fluctuating grant cycles from agencies like the National Institutes of Health or the National Science Foundation. The generated income is used to support the professor's research endeavors, which may include funding for laboratory equipment, support for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, and seed money for innovative, high-risk projects. This financial stability is a critical asset in fostering long-term, transformative research programs.

Associated programs and impact

The influence of the professorship extends beyond the individual holder's laboratory. It is integrally connected to the graduate programs in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Holders frequently lead major research initiatives, contribute to the Biomedical Genetics training program, and enhance the intellectual vitality of the University of Rochester Medical Center. The professorship also strengthens the university's partnerships with institutions like the Mount Sinai Health System and the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. By enabling sustained scientific inquiry, the Edward Clark Crossett Professorship has a lasting impact on advancing biomedical research and educating future leaders in science and medicine.

Category:University of Rochester Category:Academic chairs Category:Biochemistry