Lewis “Lew” N. Lukens

Lewis “Lew” N. Lukens, professor of molecular biology and biochemistry, emeritus, passed away on Sept. 8, at the age of 91. Lukens taught at Wesleyan from 1966 to 1999, where he was one of the founding members of the molecular biology and biochemistry department. He received his BA from Harvard University and his PhD. from the University of Pennsylvania. Luken’s research involved the regulation of gene expression by eukaryotic cells. He was the recipient of many research grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At Wesleyan, Lukens served as chair of the biology department, on the committee on graduate instruction, and as program director of the Biomedical Research Support Grant. In retirement, he served on the advisory board of the Wasch Center for Retired Faculty. Dr. Scott Holmes, his colleague, said, “Lew exhibited many qualities I will continue to seek to emulate, as a scientist and a person.” Lukens is survived by his wife, Ellen, and their four children, Katherine Lukens, Marie Lukens Hansen, Ellen Lukens Sisson, and Lewis N. Lukens Jr., and nine grandchildren.