Remembering Dr. Raj Gupta, Innovator in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
It was with deep sadness that Einstein learned of the passing on May 27, 2024, of Dr. Raj Kumar Gupta, professor emeritus of biochemistry, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 80.
Raj led a remarkable and distinguished career at Einstein. The author of more than 200 publications, he was renowned for his innovative use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the mechanisms of diseased cells and tissues. His seminal work continues to be referenced by researchers worldwide.
Recalled Craig Branch, Ph.D., director of the Gruss-Lipper Magnetic Resonance Research Center whose facilities Raj often used, “His contributions to receptor chemistry, especially with regard to cholesterol and insulin uptake, were noteworthy.”
“Raj was an innovator extraordinaire,” noted Linda Jelicks, Ph.D., an Einstein colleague and former postdoc in the Gupta lab. “He pioneered NMR studies of sodium in cells and tissues with a focus on hypertension. He also was a great collaborator and an extremely productive scientist.”
He was a beloved mentor as well. “I fondly remember my time in Raj's lab,” added Linda. “As postdocs, both Terry Dowd and I benefited from his mentorship and became independent investigators. Because of his influence, we and others went on to careers applying magnetic resonance in biomedical fields. And he was always pleased to celebrate our personal and professional milestones with us.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Shahjahanpur, India, Raj was a physicist by training. He graduated from GF College, University of Allahabad, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, earning his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree, respectively. Following his doctoral studies, in 1968 he was recruited to work at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, first at Columbia University and then in Yorktown Heights, NY.
His career included a brief stint as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health before moving to the Institute for Cancer Research/Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
In 1982, at the age of 38, he was recruited to Albert Einstein College of Medicine as a tenured professor. His career at Einstein spanned over 30 years. Upon his retirement in 2011, he received the honorary status of professor emeritus in both biochemistry and physiology and biophysics.
Known as a quiet and humble man, Raj had a playful side, including his love of riddles – continuing to both devise and conquer them well into his later years. He also was always ready to support his family, friends, and colleagues.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Pratima; his dear daughters, Julie and Lori; and his cherished granddaughters, Leela and Meena. His unique brilliance and innate humility will be remembered, and his engaging curiosity and collaborative spirit will be missed
Editor's Note: If you would like to leave a remembrance of Dr. Gupta or message of condolence, please visit our Remembrance page.
Posted on: Wednesday, August 14, 2024