George W. Gilchrist

George W. Gilchrist

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Dr. George W. Gilchrist of Alexandria, Virginia passed away peacefully after a short but painful fight with cancer on Thursday, February 6 at Capital Caring Hospice in Arlington. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Katy Gilchrist, son David Gilchrist and David’s fiancé, Brittany Moore, both from St. Paul, MN.

George was born in Roseburg, Oregon. His family settled in Phoenix, Arizona where he lived until his mid 20’s. He then met Katy, a transplant from from England to Phoenix. After they married in 1981, she encouraged him at 27 to pursue a university degree. He earned a Bachelor of Science at Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. After a brief dalliance with becoming a fiction writer, he took a biology course on sexual selection and never looked back. Along with taking classes, he enjoyed studying butterflies, spending time in the lab, and conducting experiments in the field.

Katy and George next moved across the country to Providence, RI where he completed his Master of Science degree at Brown University. His son David was born in Providence. The next cross-country move was to Seattle, where George embarked on a PhD at the University of Washington; and he conducted pioneering theoretical and experimental studies on the evolution of thermal sensitivity (1993). He remained in Seattle to complete a postdoc on experimental evolution of thermal sensitivity in the fruit fly, Drosophila. George extended his work on the evolutionary genetics of drosophila while in faculty positions at Clarkson University (4 years) and the College of William and Mary (7 years), mentoring and nurturing many students along the way. In 2009 George and Katy moved to the DC region where George took a position as program director in Division of Environmental Biology at the National Science Foundation (NSF). His impact on science and on young scientists was exceptional and long-term.

As a program officer in the Evolutionary Processes cluster, George played an important role in establishing the Dimensions of Biodiversity program with funding partners in Brazil, China and South Africa, as well as in managing the BEACON Science and Technology Center in East Lansing, MI. George also made valuable contributions to the NSF Academy where he helped revamp Merit Review Basics classes, the Program Management Seminar, and the Merit Review Reboot camp. George was a strong supporter of outreach and for ten years served as liaison between the Education and Outreach Committees of two major scientific societies, the American Society of Naturalists and the Society for the Study of Evolution.

Over the years, George, Katy and David traveled numerous times to England and Europe and enjoyed visiting with friends made around the country. With Katy, George was generous in entertaining visiting colleagues, students and friends. He loved cooking and was an outstanding chef, kept a wonderful wine cellar, and prepared delicious cocktails. He also loved opera and a wide variety of music, attending many concerts in the area. The traditional Robert Burns parties he organized — featuring haggis, single malt scotch and poetry readings — were the stuff of legend.

His early loss at 65 has hit his family and friends around the world hard, but as they grieve, they strive to remember his best days and the deep effect he had on so many. The family will have life celebration for George by invitation only at a later date. To honor George, donations may be given to the George W. Gilchrist Student Support fund of the American Society of Naturalists. https://www.amnat.org/announcements/Gilchrist.html

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Condolence Messages

  1. Melissa Fleming says:

    I knew George when I was a graduate student at University of Washington in the late 80’s & early 90’s. He organized seminars around some excellent books there for a while and he made a big impression on me during this time. We lost touch but I would come across his name now and again over the years and was happy to know he was doing well. I only learned of his passing today when I went online to renew my Society for the Study of Evolution membership and saw the George W. Gilchrist Student Support Fund among the Society’s funds to donate to. I had to contribute because I learned so much in those seminars and always felt so welcome around George. I feel like I was one of many students and people he ‘supported’ in his thoughtful ways. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

  2. Dr. William E. Bradshaw and Dr. Christina M. Holzapfel. Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, University of Oregon says:

    George W. Gilchrist – Scholar, Scientist, Mentor, and perhaps most importantly, friend. We have known George from his early years as a post-doc with Ray Huey. Our conversations were frequent and far-reaching, mainly focused on the immense value of natural geographic variation as the ultimate crucible for insights into the evolutionary genetic process. George worked to bring discovery into the public domain. He said not once, but many times, that if Joe the plumber does not understand what you did and why you did it, your research results will ultimately fade into the past, lost in the sea of expanding literature. George, himself, will never fade into the past. His role in influencing the direction of NSF, the counseling of grant applicants, and the vital importance of student research are everlasting. We miss you, our friend and colleague.

  3. Joan Frye says:

    I am speechless. I sent George an email yesterday seeking his advice on a recipe as he was such a foodie and I had a question about a recipe. When the email bounced back, I figured he had left NSF so I google him, only to discover he had passed. We worked together for several years at NSF until I retired a few years ago, and I had no idea he was ill. I am so sorry to hear he passed. Although I have failed to stay in touch, I considered him a true friend, and will miss him dearly. My sincerest condolences to his family.

  4. Tracy Langkilde says:

    This is such a huge loss. George was so supportive of science and a great mentor to younger scientists. As a faculty at Penn State I interacted with George frequently – about my proposals, at grant panels, and at conferences. He always made me feel more valued. He will be missed by so many in so many ways. Rest In Peace, George. And thank you for all you gave the world.

  5. Maria Buscemi says:

    I am so deeply sorry for your immeasurable loss. Thinking of your family during this incredibly difficult time.

  6. Pleuni S Pennings says:

    I am a professor at San Francisco State University. George Gilchrist was my official contact at the National Science Foundation. He was always super helpful and took time to answer all my questions. I could call him or email (or meet in person if we were at the same conference) and he’d give me frank advice and encouragement on my grant proposals. I feel lucky to have worked with him!

    I am sorry for your loss.

  7. Evans family says:

    In the loss of your love one may the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your hearts. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time of sorrow.

  8. Steve Yozwiak says:

    George, was an amazing mentor to me in high school and beyond as we all searched for what’s real, honest and true!!
    Will always remember you, Baby Cheese!!

  9. Michael Colcord says:

    George was a great HS friend and was a good guitar player. We attempted to have a band in 1971. I am so grateful to have known him.

  10. Karen Lefkowitz and Allen Neyman says:

    We knew George through the American Wine Society meetings, but even in that limited time, his intellect shined. We eagerly attended his presentations which were always delivered exceptionally well, with facts, insights and some humor. We will miss him. You have our deepest condolences.

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