2001 Public Health Symposium

Honoring Isadore A. Bernstein

Isadore A. Bernstein Professor Isadore Bernstein brought distinction to the University of Michigan through his scholarly research, teaching and public service. Internationally known for his research in the areas of environmental toxicology and cutaneous biochemistry, he was widely regarded as an outstanding scholar in his field. He was born on December 23rd 1919 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. In 1941 he earned his BA degree in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, and then served as a commissioned office in the U.S. Armed Forces, Northern Pacific Theater, from 1941 to 1946. In 1952 he received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Western Reserve University. He joined the University of Michigan in 1953 and held appointments in the Medical School and the School of Public Health. In 1967, he was appointed Professor of Biological Chemistry and Professor of Environmental and Industrial Health.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Bernstein's expertise and knowledge were widely sought, both within and outside the University. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Investigative Dermatology in 1967; Chair of the Michigan Governor's PBB Review Panel in 1978, State of Michigan in 1976; a member of the NASA/AIBS Flight Proposal Peer Review Panel in 1978; and a member of the Advisory Board, Recreation Department of the Public Schools and City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Civic Center Committee.

His many honors include the Taube International Memorial Award for Research in Psoriasis, a Visiting Professorship at Rockefeller University, the Stephen Rothman Memorial Award of the Society for Investigative Dermatology, and the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award of the University of Michigan. In June 1989 he received the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor and Government of Japan for promoting dermatological research interaction at the international level. In April 1990, he was named Honorary Professor of Kunming University, People's Republic of China.

The author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, numerous book chapters and other scholarly works, he devoted his boundless energy to teaching and nurturing young minds. Nearly one hundred graduate students received research training in his laboratory and benefited from his mentorship. All his students enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Bernstein family.

Isadore and Claire Bernstein were married on September 8th, 1941, and had two daughters, Lynn and Amy. Later they had three grandchildren. In 1990, Professor Bernstein retired to assume the title "Active Emeritus Professor", and he continued his pursuit of new knowledge with his characteristic vigor. Sadly, he died on January 11th 1998 at the age of 78. The Isadore A. Bernstein Symposium is dedicated to his memory and the scientific ideals that he spent his life advocating and exploring.