Longtime NIH investigator Dr. Ida Stephens Owens died Feb. 24 at the age of 80. She was the first African-American woman to earn a doctoral degree from Duke University, in 1967, and was internationally known for her contributions to the understanding of the genetics of drug metabolism.

Dr. Duane Alexander, a former director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for more than 20 years, died Feb. 16 from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79 years old.

Dr. Robin A. Barr, director of NIA’s Division of Extramural Activities (DEA), retired from federal service on Jan. 31 after 33 years with the institute.

Dr. Ruth Kleinerman, staff scientist and deputy chief in the Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB) retired from NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) recently after 40 years of federal service. She is widely recognized for her work in second cancers following treatment for retinoblastoma, a rare malignant tumor of the eye that occurs in childhood.

Dr. Stanley Cohen, a former researcher at Vanderbilt University and longtime NICHD grantee, died Feb. 5 at the age of 97.

Dr. Philip Leder, among the world’s most accomplished molecular geneticists, died on Feb. 2 at age 85. His work with Nobel laureate Dr. Marshall Nirenberg helped set the stage for the revolution in molecular genetic research that Leder himself would continue to lead for the next three decades.

Dr. Peter Basser has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for his work in developing diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and streamline tractography.

A song, a surprise video and a story about a bear marked the retirement celebration for Dr. Martha Somerman, who stepped down as director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research on Dec. 31 after more than 8 years of service.

Dr. Molly Przeworski, a professor of systems biology at Columbia University, spoke about genetic recombination.

The Center for Scientific Review has named Dr. Yujing Liu new deputy director of its Division of Receipt and Referral. He comes to CSR from the National Institute of Nursing Research.