With sorrow we share word of the death of Robert Zand, Ph.D., who was a faculty member in our department for many years. Dr. Zand received his B.S. from the University of Missouri in 1951 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University in 1961. After postdoctoral training at Brandeis University and Harvard University, he joined the University of Michigan as an associate research biophysicist in 1963 and was promoted to research scientist in 1986. He was appointed assistant professor of biological chemistry in 1968, and was promoted to associate professor in 1973, and professor in 1986. He received the additional appointments of professor of macromolecular science and engineering in 1992 and adjunct professor of biophysics in 2008.
Dr. Zand's research focused on a brain protein that was soluble in organic solvents, evolving into the study of myelin basic protein and its role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and the etiology of multiple sclerosis. In addition to this work, Dr. Zand was involved in studies of unnatural cyclic and bicyclic amino acids, synthesis of semi-conducting synthetic polymers, and the stabilization of porcine heart valves in collaboration with Dr. Robert Levy. His research resulted in numerous scientific publications, chapters in books, and presentations at international meetings.
Bob and his wife Charlene relocated to be near family in New York after his retirement at the end of 2012. He died on September 14, 2022, at the age of 92.