Image courtesy of the Journal of Biological Chemistry
This award honors graduate students who exemplify excellence in biochemistry and biophysics through research, teaching and community engagement. It reflects the legacy of Kensel E. van Holde, a pioneer in chromatin research and a beloved mentor.
The Ken van Holde Excellence in Biochemistry and Biophysics Award honors Ken's lifelong commitment to discovery, teaching and the next generation of scientists. By supporting this fund, you help carry forward the curiosity, rigor and generosity that defined Ken’s remarkable career.
Make a gift at the foundation website by selecting "Ken van Holde Excellence in Biochemistry and Biophysics Award" from the dropdown menu.
Contact Department Head Elisar Barbar at (541) 737-4510 or [email protected].
Kensal (Ken) E. van Holde was a pioneering force in physical biochemistry and a cornerstone of our department from 1967 until his passing in 2019. A University Distinguished Professor and internationally respected scientist, Ken helped shape our program from its earliest days.
Ken brought exceptional expertise in ultracentrifugation, CD, and other biophysical methods—tools he used to uncover fundamental truths about chromatin structure. His team’s groundbreaking work helped reveal that core histones exist in equal amounts and that DNA wraps around nucleosome core particles like “beads on a string.” This insight transformed our understanding of how genetic material is organized and earned Ken election to the National Academy of Sciences. Remarkably, the centrifuge he installed decades ago is still in use today.
Beyond his scientific impact, Ken was a devoted educator, mentor and author. His scholarship includes the classic text Chromatin, the monograph Oxygen and the Evolution of Life, and influential textbooks such as Principles of Physical Biochemistry and the widely used Biochemistry.
The Ken van Holde Excellence in Biochemistry and Biophysics Award is given to a graduate student who played a major role in promoting biochemistry and biophysics to the public, at conferences and in mentoring undergrads in research — as well as exhibiting research and teaching excellence throughout their years in the program.
Nomination includes a statement from the candidate describing their contributions in the above criteria, and a one-page nomination letter from the PI explaining their enthusiasm. The award is voted on by all Biochemistry and Biophysics faculty and is typically given in the student's fourth or fifth year.
“Hannah stands out for her teaching, outreach, mentoring, and research as well as service to the biophysics community.”
