Duke Flags Lowered: Nicholas Gillham, Leading Duke Geneticist, Dies at Age 85
Nicholas Gillham, James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of Zoology, died March 19. He was 85.
Gillham was a prominent geneticist and author. Born in New York in 1932, he received three degrees from Harvard University, including his Ph.D. in 1962. He joined the Duke faculty in 1968 and remained at the university for the rest of his career, including service as chair of the Department of Zoology.
His research focused on how nuclear and organelle genomes interact in controlling the biogenesis of chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Considered by some observers as a leader in the field of genetics, Gillham published his first book an introductory examination of micobiology, in the early 1970s. Since then he has published two books about the field of organelle genetics, as well as a biography of 19th Century scientist Francis Galton, who is considered the father of a notorious field of eugenics.
In Organelle Heredity, Gillham examines the study of organelle genes. Gillham describes the basic structure, function, and behavior of these genes, including how they affect mitochondria and chloroplasts. In addition to numerous illustrations, graphs, and diagrams, the book includes helpful tables listing existing data about the organelle genes of many organisms.
His biography of Galton, “A Life of Sir Francis Galton: From African Exploration to the Birth of Eugenics,” was praised for its careful consideration of a man who made many contributions to science, but whose legacy was overshadowed by his work in eugenics, shortcomings Gillham readily acknowledged. "Galton meant well in his efforts to improve mankind, but he viewed the world through the lens of class, privilege, and the predominant role played by men in virtually all affairs in Victorian England," Gillham wrote.
Gillham was named a James B. Duke Professor in 1982. He also won numerous professional awards: He was member of President's Biomedical Research Panel on biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cell biology interdisciplinary cluster in 1975; member of study section in genetics, National Institute of Health, 1976-80; board chairman of American Type Culture Collection, 1993-96; member of editorial boards of Genetics, 1975-78, Journal of Cell Biology, 1977-79, International Review of Cytology, 1987-97; and senior editor of Plasmid, 1977-86.
Arrangements are being made by the Cremation Society of NC. This obituary will be updated when additional information is available.