Finger Lakes Today

We at BTI were saddened to hear that former faculty member Sorina Popescu passed away at the end of last year after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Romania, Sorina received a Master’s degree in biology from the University of Bucharest, a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Rutgers University in 2003, and then was a research associate at Yale University. She joined the BTI faculty in 2008, and transitioned to Mississippi State University in 2015.

Dr. Popescu was interested in isolating, identifying and determining the functions of the various proteins that control plant cell processes. As part of that work, she refined a protein microarray technique, called ATproteinchip, which allowed her to study the functions of thousands of proteins at once. 

While at BTI, she advised four postdocs and two graduate students, all of whom went on to successful research careers. She also co-led two NSF projects on plant signaling networks and plant disease resistance, while expanding her plant proteomics research focus. She discovered that plant thimet oligopetidases are salicylic acid-binding modulators of plant immune responses, identified new pathways associated with tomato resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, and investigated the role of integrin-like kinases in plant stress.

Sorina’s final resting place is the Holy Trinity Church in Schei, Brasov, Romania. She is survived by her sister, Luminita Popescu; her mother, Elizabeta Cristea; her son and daughter, Nicholas and Medeea Popescu; her husband, George Popescu; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A pdf of her obituary is hosted by Mississippi State University.

Since her passing, some of Sorina’s former colleagues have shared reflections, which we share with you below. If you would also like to share your reflections on Sorina, please email them to communications@btiscience.org.

Elizabeth K. Brauer, Research Scientist, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

I am deeply saddened to hear of Sorina’s passing. I was Sorina’s first PhD student during her time at the Boyce Thompson Institute. Her generosity and support in exploring a wide range of approaches laid the foundation for my career. I very much appreciate and owe this to her.

Sorina was a fantastic systems biologist who was unceasingly enthusiastic about research. She was someone who could make a mess of dots connected by lines seem not only exciting but worth investing your time and energy into understanding. She was fearless in her goals to uncover the complexity of plant-microbe interactions and was endlessly optimistic about the applications and importance of this area. Her work on protein interactions in signal transduction was particularly impactful and revealed the complexity of interactions within a functionally redundant network of signaling kinases and proteins.

She was also incredibly kind and generous with her students and would spend time whenever needed to discuss anything, research or otherwise. I recall many happy dinners at her house with her family whom she adored, and the way she was careful to make sure everyone was included in conversations and comfortable. She was endlessly supportive and gave us every opportunity to learn and grow. I will miss her.

Kamala Gupta, Assistant Professor, West Bengal Education Service

It was in a late spring morning that I first met Sorina at BTI. As I entered her office, the warmth in her smile and embrace washed away all my nervousness and apprehensions in a flicker. It felt as if we knew each other for ages. This was Sorina for me, my interactions with her were beyond academics. Her strength of character, humble nature and helpful attitude taught me to tackle difficult times in life. It feels terrible to believe that we shall not meet again, ever, but the sweetness of the memories shall linger forever. May her soul rest in peace. May the Almighty give strength to George and her lovely family to bear the loss.

Bhaskar Gupta, Associate Professor, West Bengal Education Service

I was accepted as a Visiting Scientist (2013-2014) in Sorina’s lab at BTI after a few email exchanges and Skype video calls. She was not only a hard-working scientist but also a nice human being as well. Her interactions with all Ph.D. and Post-Doc fellows were friendly and stretched beyond academics. My short stay in her lab had family level interactions as well. I write this memoir with a feeling of deep loss and tears in my eyes. Sorina will stay in my memories forever. I am sharing a picture of a summer get-together at her home with other lab mates during our stay. Om Shanti.

Chris Bowen, Senior Scientist, Pfizer

Sorina was an exceptionally kind, patient, and knowledgeable scientist and mentor. I studied in her lab for nearly three years – my first full-time job out of college. Her values and leadership created a rare type of research environment that greatly motivated my own decision to pursue a Ph.D. and research career. For this, I am forever grateful. I will always remember her passion and excitement for discovery and her deep love for her family. Sorina, you are missed.

Mauricio Calvino, Scientist, Allogene Therapeutics

Sorina had a bright spirit and a warmth heart. She was kind and patient. I remember her always with a smile in her face, coming to the lab to chat with us whenever she needed a break from writing grants and papers! What was most important to her was her family and then her work – she loved her research and also sharing her knowledge to whoever was ready to listen and was willing to learn. I am very grateful for the more than three years I got to work and spend time with her! She will be missed…rest in peace Sorina.

Setareh Nejat

Dear Sorina, it is hard to believe that you are not coming back. I never thought this could ever happen. You always had so much energy, so many projects and dreams to realize…

I had the honor to meet you, and your enthusiasm and vision impressed me. We’ve had a long journey together, with so many memories, that is now suddenly over. You have been a great teacher and an exceptional person, being patient with our studies but firm so we would not wander and lose sight of our goals. I can still hear your valuable teaching and your jokes. I can still remember the team dinners and days out, like they were yesterday…. always a great fun!

My first thoughts are of your family. But also, the uncertainty of how life is going to be without you here. You were always everywhere, involved in all activities, supporting us in many ways… with your work, knowledge, experience, ideas, courage, patience, eagerness… Third, an emptiness when I realize you will not be back. You were always there when tricky problems came up, to listen carefully, to think about it, to give good advice, so I never felt alone. Even when we did not see each other for a while, you were always following my developments and looking forward to my progress. I am going to miss you, Sorina. I would have liked you to walk beside me a longer distance… but you are already part of my life. I have learnt so many things from you… I will try to use them in the best way possible.

Thank you, Sorina. Rest in peace.

Oana Peiu, The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB)

We are very sad to hear about the passing away of Professor Sorina Popescu, alumni of the University of Bucharest. In 2017, Dr. Popescu was a Visiting Professor at our Earth, Environment and Life Sciences Division of the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest with her work focusing on characterizing cellular pathways, how their components are activated by specific or multiple stressors, and how modifications in signaling elements impact the plant’s response. 

We were very grateful for her willingness to share with us her knowledge and outstanding expertise, and we plan to foster future collaborations with our colleagues from the Boyce Thompson Institute to continue Dr. Popescu’s work. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Popescu’s family and friends. Our hearts go out to them, in their great loss.

Original source can be found here.