Richard Lerner – Mentor, Colleague, and Friend

In this brief tribute, I wish to share some of my personal thoughts about late mentor, colleague, and friend Richard Lerner. Other tributes have covered Richard's myriad groundbreaking scientific professional achievments, so will instead attempt give a glimpse into the character personality unique individual who influenced lives many in such fundamental ways. countless vibrant memories Richard, but none stronger than our first meeting. It was February 1992, had been interviewing for nearly two months at various graduate schools across country. As someone with visceral, still underdeveloped interest science interface chemistry biology, visited Scripps much anticipation. At that time, represented only program world an expressed commitment chemical biology as discipline. The founding Dean Graduate Program, Bernie Gilula, is inseparable from mind, escorted me office asked attend retrospect, think request mostly Bernie's entertainment, can see now how he anticipated what would ensue. Typical there were essentially no pleasantries. his characteristic directness, explained Program intended create new type interdisciplinary scientist – one functioned like stem cell dedifferentiated possible they could tackle whatever important biomedical problems interested them methods best suited solve those problems. Only later did appreciate intentionally used term “dedifferentiated”, not “undifferentiated”, often quick point out subsequent conversations biggest challenges faced bringing scientists any stage development needed be delearned or stripped monolithic thinking musty traditions unwittingly carried spending too time famous universities before truly blossom special environment. words hit home because just experienced prophesized visits other schools, where presented Balkanized programs attempting pigeonhole young committing their futures specialized subdisciplines. But, engage further, switched topics that's when real fun began. He next “where else are you considering going school?”, responded looking top-ranked university (which, purposes remain unnamed). Leaning forward chair panther pounce on its prey, inquired “to work whom?”, mentioned well-renowned immunologist abruptly exclaimed “Why want him? He's bleep, bleeping MD!”. Now, having done homework specifically prior visit, both impressed by forthrightness comments also bit bewildered. left office, sheepishly asked, “Dr. forgive me, isn't Dr Lerner MD?”. To which grinned slyly, wagged index finger, “Not kind MD”. This recollection captures made special. vision disrupt status quo, courage communicate clarity conviction, even it required reinventing himself through shedding titles accolades become, irrelevant counterproductive mission, selflessness invest creating environment benefit others, course sophisticated merciless wit. Ah yes, sense humor. incredible leader better human being. remember most him laugh…even if own expense. recall singling mother end thesis defense ask she questions. looked audience locate Mom, noticed fast asleep. saw Mom deep slumber called her. A half-grin emerged face, walked away (Richard knack departing room right moment wanted hear thinking). Reflecting back life, parents Richard. owe entire career stepped onto campus, giving amount nurturing, independence, cross-examination, and, importantly, trust become impactful scientist. final year student, able molecularly characterize key enzyme involved endogenous cannabinoid signaling. recognized discovery opened exciting experimental directions, mentors lept chance build finding labs. generously handed launching project independent career. find misunderstood superficially knew him. I'll say, instance, succeeded building fundraiser. great leader. say that, scientifically visionary was, gift. What different combined self-confidence competitive spirit childlike curiosity learn others genuine success. experience, traits mutually exclusive single individual. Scripps, sought hire surround brightest creative minds, never feeling threatened might outthink outperform And, anytime anyone discovery, show up lab data. electron density map protein crystal structure, confocal microscopy image endocytosing cell, proton NMR newly synthesized natural product, or, case, radiolabeled TLC showing lipid-hydrolyzing activity enzyme. His eyes brighten, gleeful smile appear moment, student postdoctoral fellow shared data understand connected level pursuit knowledge. known accomplished took greatest joy accomplishments others. feature admire try hard emulate each every day life.