The Society mourns the loss of longtime member Thomas R. Klei, PhD, a member of The Onchocerciasis Vaccine for Africa (TOVA) Consortium and one of the world's leading experts in the development and testing of experimental models of human and animal filarial infections.
The following is a shared tribute to Dr. Klei from the international partners of the TOVA initiative from Africa, Europe and USA:
It is with profound sadness that The Onchocerciasis Vaccine for Africa (TOVA) Consortium announces the passing of our beloved and amazing colleague Professor Tom Klei. Tom was one of the world's leading experts in the development and testing of experimental models of human and animal filarial infections. His work was front and center of the projects led by TOVA for the testing and ultimately understanding the mechanisms of vaccine-induced immunity against onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and related filarial infections. We also deeply appreciated the wisdom he brought to the projects led by TOVA, no doubt a reflection of his many years serving as a distinguished faculty member and Boyd Professor at LSU of Veterinary Medicine, where he was also Associate Dean for Research. In addition, Prof. Klei took on the daunting challenge of serving as LSU's interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development. Mostly, we remember Tom as someone who always shared key scientific insights but also his gentle guidance of our collaborations and the projects led by TOVA to meet its goals and objectives. We already miss him, but in many respects, he lives on through the many things he taught us over many years and decades.
► Read Dr. Klei's obituary here
Dr. Klei, right, during an annual TOVA meeting, with Sara
Lustigman, PhD (left) and Maria Elaina Bottazzi, PhD, FASTMH (center).
|
Dr. Klie's hobbies included hunting and fishing.
|
Playing Santa for his grandson, whom he
adored.
|