John Russell Oral History

Interviewee

John Russell

Interviewer

Steven Mennerick, PhD, Sally Vogt, and Brian Sullivan

Files

Summary

John H. Russell, PhD was interviewed by Steven Mennerick, PhD, Sally Vogt, and Brian Sullivan on August 8, 2022 for approximately one hour.

Scope and Content

Russell talks about his life and career, highlighting his journey from growing up on a small family farm in Pennsylvania to becoming a Professor of Developmental Biology at Washington University. Initially interested in pre-med, Dr. Russell shifted his focus to science after a summer at NIH. He completed his graduate studies at Washington University, where he worked on albumin biosynthesis, and later conducted postdoctoral research at MIT. Upon returning to Washington University, he faced the challenge of integrating the pharmacology department into the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS), eventually contributing significantly to the division’s development. Throughout his career, Dr. Russell played a pivotal role in enhancing diversity and data management within DBBS. He chaired the admissions committee for Cell and Molecular Biology, implemented strategies to increase diversity by interviewing more diverse students, and established a robust IT group to handle data for training grants. He also supported student-led initiatives like the BALSA Group and the Young Scientist Program (YSP). Despite facing challenges such as the relocation of DBBS offices, which affected staff morale, Dr. Russell felt empowered in his role and proud of his contributions, particularly in IT and diversity. Now retired, he enjoys traveling, participating in lifelong learning activities, and spending time with his family.

Biographical Information: Interviewee

John H. Russell, PhD is a Professor Emeritus of Developmental Biology at Washington University. Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he grew up on a small family farm and initially pursued pre-med studies at Juniata College. His interest in science deepened after a summer at NIH, leading him to complete his graduate studies at Washington University, where he focused on albumin biosynthesis. After a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT in immunology, he returned to Washington University, where he played a pivotal role in integrating the pharmacology department into the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS). Throughout his career, Dr. Russell made significant contributions to enhancing diversity, data management, and career development within DBBS. Now retired, he enjoys traveling, lifelong learning, and spending time with his family.

Biographical Information: Interviewer

Steven Mennerick, PhD is the director and associate dean of Washington University’s Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS). As director of DBBS, Mennerick aims to create more interdisciplinary coursework; encourage the development of meta skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving and flexibility; and improve methods for evaluating and tracking students’ progress. He also plans to enhance the student support infrastructure to help trainees weather the inevitable failures and challenges of graduate school. A 1995 graduate of DBBS, Mennerick studies how messages are sent between neurons and how dysfunction in this signaling can lead to mental disorders. His focus is on GABA receptors, molecules that are on the surface of neurons and play an important role in regulating emotion, cognition, pain, sleep and movement.

Sally Vogt is the Graduate Program Administrator of Washington University’s Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS).

Brian Sullivan is the executive director of Washington University’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) which provides students the opportunity to earn dual MD/PhD degrees.

Interview Date

2022-08-08

Collection Identifier

OH156

Length

Approximately one hour.

Restrictions

Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).

Recommended Citation

John Russell Oral History, OH156, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.

Disclaimer

The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.