October 5, 2000
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Larry J. DeLucas, O.D., Ph.D., has received the 2000 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award, the highest honor bestowed by UAB's Academic Health Center. DeLucas, who is director of the UAB Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering, is the 37th recipient of the annual award.
DeLucas will lecture on “Space Exploration and NASA's Biotechnology Research Program,” on Wednesday, October 11 at The Club. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. and a dinner follows at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and may be obtained by calling (205) 934-5394.
DeLucas has a long history at UAB, where he has earned five degrees, including doctorates in optometry and biochemistry. He joined the UAB faculty in 1982 as a member of the School of Optometry's Vision Science Research Center. Today, he is internationally renowned for his work in the field of crystallography, which condenses large numbers of protein molecules into crystals. Researchers then use these crystals as “blueprints” which can be mapped and studied.
In 1992, DeLucas made international headlines as the first optometrist in orbit. As a payload specialist on the space shuttle Columbia, he conducted 31 experiments on protein crystal growth in microgravity. Since that journey, his relationship with NASA has flourished. From 1994 to 1995, he was chief scientist for the International Space Station at NASA headquarters. He continues to serve on space station advisory committees while designing new experiments for shuttle flights and future missions.
On earth, DeLucas has translated the science of crystallography into medical advances for millions. He has collaborated with scientists in six Latin American countries to battle parasitic diseases. For his contributions, the government of Brazil awarded him one of its highest honors, the Order of Rio Branco. He also has expanded the body of medical knowledge through 98 research articles and two books he co-authored on protein crystal growth. In 1999 the Sunday Times of London noted his many accomplishments by naming him one of 18 scientists who will make a major impact in the 21st century.
In nominating DeLucas for the award, his colleagues cited his humanitarian efforts. “Dr. DeLucas is an outstanding citizen of this university and makes countless presentations to service groups, schools, foundations, alumni associations, civic groups, Boy Scout Troops and a multitude of other organizations,” wrote Arol Augsberger, O.D., dean of UAB's School of Optometry. “This is in addition to his monumental scientific work at this university.”
DeLucas is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, and many other organizations. He is also the recipient of the first UAB Distinguished Alumnus Award.