Robert James Smiddy
Undergraduate Honors Research Award
Robert James Smiddy (Junior) 1983 - 2004
Robert J. Smiddy Research Award
On Saturday, September 18, 2004, Robert Smiddy, an undergraduate honors student from my lab, passed away. We are extremely saddened by his early demise. He had been in my lab for less than a year, and within this time he had earned the affection and respect of all he came in contact with. Robert was always funny and cheerful. But most of all he was dedicated and passionate about his research. In his first week he attended a seminar by another of my undergraduate students, and asked me if he would have a project just like that. He wanted so much to be a Biology Honors student, to write a Honors thesis, and to proudly present his work to the department. He even had his thesis introduction written last Spring. He was supposed to present his work at the lab meeting last Friday. He was too ill to come and had left a message on my answering machine. So we discussed the first draft of his manuscript in his absence. Little did we imagine that his life would be so short-lived. He is survived by his parents and seven younger siblings.To honor his memory and his passion for research, the "Robert James Smiddy Honors Research Award" was set up to be given to the best undergraduate Biology Honors Research. We are soliciting your contributions to this fund through an FIU Foundation Memorial Endowment Account.