Richard Koerner, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Died at Age 32

17 January 2003 -- Richard Koerner, assistant professor of chemistry, died from pneumonia on 19 December 2002 at his home in State College. He was 32.

He joined the Penn State faculty in the fall of 2000 after completing postdoctoral research at Harvard University as a National Science Foundation Science Fellow. His research program in protein and metallopeptide biosynthesis combined an academic quest for basic knowledge about the biological and chemical function of enzymes with the goal of making potential laboratory and industrial reactions more efficient by improving the ability of chemists to model natural compounds. In addition, Koerner's research interests included the role of inorganic materials in human health.

He was born in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and earned his his bachelor's degree with honors in chemistry at the University of Arizona in 1991 and his doctoral degree in inorganic chemistry at the University of California at Davis in 1977.

He is survived by his father and mother, Walter Richard Koerner and Kimiko Koerner; his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sue Koerner; and his nephew, Aeric Koerner, as well as by his friends, students, and colleagues at Penn State.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard to the Penn State Department of Chemistry, 152 Davey Laboratory.

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From the Koerner family:

Richard Koerner, dutiful and caring son of Walter Richard Koerner and Kimiko Koerner; courageous friend and brother to Mike Koerner; wonderful and doting uncle to Aeric Koerner; loving brother-in-law to Sue Koerner; tireless and giving friend, mentor and colleague to many at Penn State University; and friend and teacher to many others, died on December 19, 2002 at his home in State College, Pennsylvania from pneumonia.

Richard was born in Sierra Vista, Arizona; graduated from Buena High School in 1988; graduated with honors from the University of Arizona; received his doctorate degree in Chemistry from the University of California at Davis; was awarded a National Science Foundation Science Fellowship for postdoctoral studies at Harvard University; and was an assistant professor of chemistry at Penn State. Richard was a dedicated scientist and teacher; survivor of cancer (twice); and a leader in school, Boy Scouts, and all his endeavors.

Throughout his life, Richard loved the outdoors, fresh air, and sunshine and was a loving and caring person to all, friends and family.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at noon in the Eisenhower Chapel on the Penn State University Park Campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard to the Penn State Department of Chemistry, 152 Davey Laboratory.

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