In Memoriam: Elizabeth E. Howell

Elizabeth Howell, a longtime professor in the department of biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology at the University of Tennessee, passed away on April 9, 2019.

Dr. Howell first joined the faculty at the university in 1988 as an assistant professor. She was the first woman to be recruited into the department since its founding 25 years earlier. Her stellar career as an educator and researcher spanned 31 years. Her research focused on dihyfrofolate reductase enzymes, an important target in therapies against cancer. Her contributions were recognized with several awards and grants, including some from the National Science Foundation, the Petroleum Research Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. In 2014, she was recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

“We lost a colleague and inspiration, especially for women in science. She was a role model, a mentor, and an inspiration to many of us. Her legacy will live on,” said Gladys Alexandre, head of the department of biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology.

Dr. Howell held a Ph.D. from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.