Bruce Nicklas, Arthur S. Pearse Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology, passed away during the week of February 19, 2025. A trailblazer in cell biology, Nicklas dedicated his career to unraveling the mysteries of chromosome movement. This earned him international recognition for his groundbreaking research on the mechanisms through which cells divide
Nicklas joined Duke in 1965 and served as chair of the Zoology Department from 1983 to 1986, before Zoology and Botany merged into what is now Duke's Biology department. His work measuring the forces driving chromosome segregation provided important insights into the mechanisms underlying cell division through mitosis. His research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, was instrumental in shaping the field, culminating in his receipt of the prestigious E.B. Wilson Award in 1995.
At a seminar given by a world-famous expert on mitosis around the time of Nicklas’s retirement, David McClay, Arthur S. Pearse Professor Emeritus of Biology, recalled the speaker beginning his talk by stating that anyone working on the mechanisms of mitosis had to begin by recognizing Nicklas’s work.
“That accolade illustrates the deep impact of Bruce’s research on the field of cellular biology,” said McClay.
Nicklas’s path to biology was unconventional. Initially a chemistry major, he almost abandoned science altogether and considered switching to philosophy before discovering his love for microscopy and the joy of using a microscope to look at what is invisible to the naked eye.
"I could sit all day and look down a microscope. I still can," Nicklas said in a previous interview. This fascination led him to study strange and remarkable biological phenomena, from self-destructing insect embryos to the unexpected resilience of chromosomes when they are pulled apart as cells divide.
Nicklas was not only a brilliant scientist but also an engaging storyteller known for his ability to bring complex concepts to life with humor and enthusiasm. He often encouraged students to embrace the humanities and find interests outside of science, believing that a well-rounded education enriched both science and life.
Even after he retired, Nicklas remained engaged with the Duke community for several years, mentoring young researchers. McClay remembers that in early retirement, Nicklas and his wife, Sheila, were regulars at Nana’s restaurant, often treated to an off-menu selection made especially for them by chef Scott Howell. After becoming a widower, he indulged in his love of reading and watching classic films.
Nicklas’s legacy lives on through his scientific contributions, the students he mentored, and the impact he had on those he worked with.
“Biology has lost one of its giants and one of the faculty members that helped make it great,” said colleague, Divisional Dean and Robert F. Durden Distinguished Professor of Biology Susan Alberts.
