Runqing Lu, Ph.D., an associate professor in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Lu,” said Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “He was a trusted peer, a valued mentor and a caring friend to many. Our deepest sympathies are for his family and friends at this difficult time.”
A native of Zibo, China, Dr. Lu joined UNMC in 2004. He received a New Investigator Award at the Distinguished Scientist Award ceremony in 2008.
His research focused on understanding how antibody-producing cells, called B cells, are generated in the body. Defective B cells are associated with diseases such as autoimmunity, leukemia and lymphoma. Dr. Lu was a member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Brad Britigan, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine, encouraged colleagues, staff and students who worked with Dr. Lu to support each other and to not hesitate to seek additional grief counseling. Counselors are available at the Faculty-Employee Assistance Program (402.559.5323) or Student Counseling (402.559.7276).
“As a campus and as a college, we will come together during this difficult time,” Dr. Britigan said. “We especially want to offer our condolences and support to Dr. Lu’s wife, Hongmei, and their two daughters.”
Vimla Band, Ph.D., chair of the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy, said that Dr. Lu was a kind-hearted person and brilliant researcher and mentor.
“He cared deeply for his students and fellows, as well as for his colleagues in the department and UNMC as a whole,” Dr. Band said.
Services for Dr. Lu are pending.