Nashville, TN. (March 29, 2019) IBG — On Feb. 27, the
Vanderbilt community suffered the loss of Cell and Developmental Biology
professor Steve Hann, who passed away following complications of
pneumonia.
Born in 1951 in Beech Grove, Indiana, Hann graduated from
the University of California, Berkeley, in 1974 with a degree in biochemistry.
He went on to earn his PhD in biochemistry from the University of California,
Riverside, in 1981, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington.
Cell and Developmental Biology professor Steve Hann
After joining the Vanderbilt faculty in 1986, Hann helped to
develop the Cell and Developmental Biology program, and served in numerous
capacities beyond his role as professor, most recently acting as Director of
Graduate Studies for the department.
Hann’s extensive research was fundamental in providing
insight on the MYC oncogene, whose expression is believed to be a powerful
factor in causing up to 70 percent of human cancers. His former colleague and
close friend Professor of Cancer Research Bill Tansey praised his foresight,
referencing Hann as one of the first people to recognize the importance of the
MYC gene.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Hann was also revered
throughout the Vanderbilt community. In 2018, he was distinguished with
membership in the Vanderbilt Academy for Excellence in Education, and
throughout his 33 years on faculty, he played a pivotal role both in the realm
of research and administratively, helping to design and expand curriculums.
Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
Ian Macara credited him with improving the graduate program during his tenure
as Director of Graduate Studies.
“Steve did a wonderful job in that role,” Macara said. “He
made a lot changes, including streamlining the program and really clarifying
what was expected of the students.”
According to Macara, Hann was also responsible for
organizing the annual Christmas party, as well as the department retreat, a
testament to his boundless generosity and dedication.
“Steve was such a value to the community and he had these
qualities that made him very effective, but also very compassionate,” Tansey
said. “He was very smart, insightful and wise, but he also had this laid back,
comfortable demeanor and I really respected him for that.”
Tansey also described Hann as a “sweetheart” and a “brilliant
man,” and emphasized his inquisitiveness, as well as his generosity, an
attribute that shone through every facet of both his research and personal
relations.
“Everything he did just came from a fundamental place of
sweetness, which was perhaps his most defining characteristic,” Tansey said.
“He was a very special guy, and it really is such a shame, and such a loss for
our community.”
A memorial in honor of Hann is scheduled to be held in The
Jean and Alexander Heard Library on Apr. 10.
