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National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Jeanette Thorbecke, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally recognized immunologist, died on November 16, 2001, at the age of 72 in Maui, Hawaii. During her illustrious career, spanning over five decades, she published more than 400 papers, mentored a plethora of young investigators, and leaves behind a legacy of scientific and personal accomplishments.
Geertruida Jeanette Thorbecke was born in the Netherlands in 1929. A descendant of a Dutch prime minister, she studied for and received her M.D. at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands in 1950 and completed her Ph.D. thesis there in 1954. This same year, she headed abroad, arriving in Indiana for a postdoctoral fellowship at the Lobund Institute for Germfree Animals at the University of Notre Dame. Fifty years ago, such an adventure was uncommon for a young woman. Nonetheless, being practical, she returned to the University of Leiden after 2 years to complete her residency and then took the opportunity to return to the United States, where she accepted a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Pathology at New York University School of Medicine. This fellowship was the springboard upon which she launched her career, and she rapidly advanced through the ranks from instructor to full professor in the department by 1970, no doubt smashing all glass ceilings in her way.
Married in 1957 to Dr. Gerald Hochwald, he was not only her husband but also her companion and collaborator. As a neurologist, he was invaluable to their joint studies on experimental allergic encephalitis, and in her final lecture, she described their work together, which was very successful for many years. Together, they not only produced excellent science but also an outstanding family. Always mindful of the importance of her family and her profession, when her children were small, she would invite trainees to dinner at her home and only after the children had gone to bed, would the discussions turn to science. In this way, her students were taught family values as well as scientific values. Three sons, an electrical engineer and twin surgeons, will continue her legacy as will Dr. Thorbecke’s four grandchildren.
Her legacy in her laboratory is also remarkable. Some of the best and brightest trained under her mentorship and have gone on to highly successful careers. Beyond a scientist’s multitude of highly recognized publications, it is the success of one’s students that often sets the best apart. As those students continue to mentor and train descendants of Jeanette’s lab, her legacy will surely continue. In this regard, students of Jeanette include Richard Asofsky, Ralph Van Furth, James Mond, Michael Palladino, Rosemarie DeKruyff, and Dale Emetsu, to name a few among the many successful clinicians, academic scientists, and leaders in biotechnology. She was a remarkable teacher and mentor and received the American Women in Science Outstanding Woman Scientist Award in 1989 and served as an inspiration for young investigators as they searched for career role models. She not only introduced her students to scientific techniques and concepts but also to colleagues with whom they could expand their critical thinking and experience. She truly cared about the people she trained, encouraged and supported them, took pride in their achievements, which often stemmed from her efforts, and maintained contact with them after they had moved on to independent careers.
During more than three decades, Dr. Thorbecke had an active and illustrious career and was the recipient of many honors and well-deserved recognition. Notable among these was her election as the president of the American Association of Immunologists in 1989. Also indicative of her leadership and stature in the profession, she served on the editorial boards of Nature, Journal of Immunology, and numerous other journals, in addition to being very active in committees locally, nationally, and internationally. Moreover, Dr. Thorbecke was rightfully proud that she had two major NIH grants funded continuously for more than 30 years—a rare and enviable accomplishment. Although her initial work focused on antibody production, her interests broadened, and her often-pioneering research in leukocyte immunoregulation evolved with the incorporation of molecular biology and gene therapy in autoimmune diseases. Her enduring objective was to derive more effective prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and therapies for diseases lacking effective treatments. From her unique perspective of integrating basic and clinical approaches, her knowledge of science and firm commitment to public health were always evident, as was her tenacity in pursuing these goals.
In recognition of these multiple aspects of her career, Jeanette was in Maui, Hawaii, at the Society for Leukocyte Biology meeting to receive the society’s highest honor. The Bonazinga Award is presented annually to a Society of Leukocyte Biology member for excellence in leukocyte biology research, and Jeanette had been a member of the society since 1968 when the society was called the Reticuloendothelial Society. In so many ways, Dr. Thorbecke epitomized what the Bonazinga Award is meant to reflect—an outstanding scientist, who has not only made a huge impact on the field of leukocyte biology but also serves as a role model and inspiration for all members of the society. She was deeply honored to be recognized in this way, and we were pleased that we were able to provide such a positive event for what turned out to be her final memories. Following her award-winning lecture, Dr. Thorbecke took advantage of the beautiful beach of Wailea on Maui to go for a swim in the ocean. An excellent swimmer, she swam out beyond the breakers where, unfortunately, she was stung by a Portuguese man-of-war. Apparently, she was extremely sensitive to the toxin, was hospitalized, and tragically died a few days later. The sudden and unexpected loss of a friend, mother, and outstanding scientist has shocked all of us deeply. Dr. Thorbecke’s death leaves a substantial void in the scientific community because she not only made significant contributions to the field of leukocyte biology and immunology, but she was also a role model for young investigators. She will be fondly remembered by those who were fortunate to have known her personally, as well as by those who were and will continue to be inspired by her and her research.
In honor and memory of Jeanette, the Society for Leukocyte Biology has established a special award, the GJ Thorbecke Award, to be presented to a deserving young female investigator at the 2002 Society for Leukocyte Biology meeting in Torino, Italy. The awardee will be selected from junior faculty (fewer than 5 years), nominated by colleagues/faculty or chair of the department. The award will provide registration, travel expenses, and a cash prize.
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