John Robert Kirn

I only recently learned of John's passing. We were grad students together at Cornell. He was one of my favorite people there. He was kind enough to invite me to give a seminar at Wesleyan, and I would occasionally see him at meetings. I will always remember him as a gentle soul who had a dry wit that I really enjoyed.

John is the reason I do what I do. He was and will continue to be an inspiration in my work but also in my life. Not just how to do science, but how to do science the right way: mentoring patiently and being skeptical of weird data, not weird people. Thank you for everything, John. You are missed.

Please note that the Biology Department at Wesleyan is planning a memorial service for John on April 4th .

Please send your inquiries to [email protected]

I learned yesterday of John's passing and it is with deep sadness that I write this note.
John was a kind, gentle and innovative teacher, scientist and friend. My condolences to Cindy, the kids and the NS&B community at Wes as well as his PPG family. John was a prince.

John was a wonderful colleague and an incredibly supportive mentor. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and will miss his advice deeply. He was a fantastic role model to so many students and junior faculty. I will miss our conversations and his gentle demeanor, and will always remember his mannerisms.

I've worked for John going on 10 years. He was always smiling and pleasant when I needed to talk to him about research in his finch colony, or just to see how he was doing. He will be missed.

My opinion of John will always bring my smile to have known a good,smart and fair man, who was a highly successful scientist,colleague,mentor and teacher and who took on administrative duties to support his Program, Department and University. I hold John in highest respect and will try to use the lessons he taught us.

John was a valued colleague who will be sorely missed. The Wesleyan neuroscience community has lost a friend, mentor, teacher and leader. My condolences to his family.

John was a trusted and encouraging colleague, who could always be depended upon to offer thoughtful answers to any question. His preternatural calmness always placed interactions with him on a solid footing. My most treasured memories are how comfortable he made me feel during my transition to Wesleyan campus: always emphasizing how happy he was to have me as a colleague. Thanks John!