Susan Lindquist: Visionary scientist and peerless mentor

Abstract

The science universe is dimmer after one of our brightest stars, Susan Lee Lindquist, was taken by cancer on October 27, 2016. Sue was an innovative, creative, out-of-the-box scientific thinker. She had unique biological intuition—an instinct for both the way things worked and the right questions to ask to uncover new research insights. Her wide-ranging career began with the study of protein folding and molecular chaperones, and she went on to show that protein folding can have profound and unexpected biological effects on such diverse processes as cancer, evolution, and neurodegenerative disease. As Sue's laboratory manager, I would like to offer a ground-floor perspective on what made her an exceptional scientist, mentor, and leader. She created a harmonious, collegial environment where collaborative synergy fueled meaningful progress that will impact science for decades to come.

I still vividly remember the first time I met Sue as a prospective graduate student at the University of Chicago—she was in her office surrounded by artwork from her young children. Sue became part of my graduate student life as I rotated in her laboratory and she served as a member of my thesis committee. After graduating, I came to the Whitehead Institute, where I have been Sue's laboratory manager for almost 15 years. It is hard to overestimate what an enormous figure she has been to me. We developed a fantastic partnership and trust based on common values, instincts, and sensibilities. I am honored and privileged to have learned from her for so many years.