In Memoriam: Edward L. Morgan
His focus on moving basic science discovery from bench-to-bedside, was an important characteristic of his approach to science.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilyn Thoman, their children Melinda, Joelle, and Brandon, his sister Beverly, and his 104 year-old father, Victor.
Those who knew him were familiar with his fierce loyalty to his friends and family, and his love of entrepreneurial science — a source of inspiration to those around him.
Research
Morgan's lifelong research focused on a peptide analog of the complement component C5a, which he and his longstanding collaborator Sam Sanderson at University of Nebraska have shown is a potent vaccine adjuvant and immunomodulator.
At SDSU, he collaborated with immunology colleagues Marilyn Thoman, Libby Virts, Joy Phillips and Phyllis Linton. Other collaborating faculty in the Department of Biology include Kelly Doran, Roland Wolkowicz, Scott Kelley and Roberta Gottlieb. His work with Doran and Wolkowicz have opened the door to new and potentially important therapeutic applications for EP67, a novel peptide-based drug useful for activating the immune system.
Personal approach
His focus on moving a basic science discovery from bench-to-bedside, was an important characteristic of his approach to science.
He derived a great deal of satisfaction from mentoring students. His students admired him and benefited from his enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, frankness, irreverent humor and personal warmth.
Memorial mentorship award
In recognition of his dedication to mentoring students, his colleagues at the Donald P. Shiley BioScience Center have established the Edward L. Morgan Mentorship Award which will annually recognize an outstanding faculty mentor.
