Lawrence DeLucas Joins SISC Board

The Society for International Space Cooperation

Welcomes Dr. Lawrence DeLucas to its Board of Directors

Biographical Information:

Lawrence J. DeLucas (O. D., Ph.D.)

• Director, Center for Macromolecular Crystallography, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Payload Specialist on Space Shuttle Columbia for STS-50/United States Microgravity Laboratory-1 (USML-1) Spacelab mission

 

PERSONAL DATA:

Born July 11, 1950, Syracuse, New York. Married to the former Katherine Elizabeth Gester. They have three children. Recreational interests include basketball, scuba diving, model airplanes, astronomy and reading.

EDUCATION:

Received a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 1972 and 1974, respectively; a bachelor of science degree in physiological optics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 1979; a doctorate in optometry in 1981; and a doctorate in biochemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, 1982.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Dr. DeLucas is a member of the American Crystallographic Association, American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Association, American Academy of Optometry, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Alabama Optometric Association, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, National Aeronautic Association, and Executive Committee and Board of the Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation.

PUBLICATIONS:

He has published over 60 research articles in refereed scientific journals, is co-author of 2 books, and co-inventor of 3 patents.

SPECIAL HONORS:

Co-Chair, Spacehab Science Advisory Board; Secretary of the Board, Council of Biotechnology Centers, Biotechnology Industry Council; 1st Place in Graduate Student Research Competition sponsored by Sigma Xi.

EXPERIENCE:

Research Associate in the Institute of Dental Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1975-1976; Graduate Student, 1977-1982 working on combined doctoral degrees in Optometry and Biochemistry; Member of Vision Science Research Center, 1982-present; Scientist, Research Center in Oral Biology, 1982-present; Member, Graduate Faculty, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1983-present; Scientist, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1984-present; Adjunct Professor, Materials Science, University of Alabama at Huntsville, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama, 1989-present; Member, Comprehensive Cancer Center Internal Review Committee, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1990-present; served on External Review Committee, NASA, 1988; Member of NASA Science Advisory Committee for Advanced Protein Crystal Growth, 1987-present; Adjunct Professor, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1990-present; Adjunct Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1990-present; Member, Executive Committee, Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, 1990-present; Professor, Department of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1989-present; Associate Director, Center for Macromolecular Crystallography, University of Alabama at Birmingham,. 1986-present; Director, Center for Macromolecular Crystallography, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1994-present.

Dr. DeLucas was a member of the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia for STS-50/United States Microgravity Laboratory-1 (USML-1) Spacelab mission.

"My work involves the determination of protein structures of biological interest. For those proteins implicated in various diseases, the structure information is used to design pharmaceutical compounds that may serve as useful clinical drugs for the treatment of complications associated with these diseases. A second aspect of my research involves understanding fundamental mechanisms for protein crvstal growth processes and designing new crystallization systems that may enhance the quality of macromolecular crystals. A part of this effort involves performing crystal growth experiments at reduced gravity levels such as those provided by the United States Space Shuttle System. "

Recent Achievements

Helping to Cure the Flu

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