ANDREW BOHM

1965 - 2023

BOHM, Andrew In Memoriam: Andrew Bohm November 17, 1965 – August 28, 2023 We are saddened to announce the passing of A. Andrew Bohm, a beloved and respected scientist, colleague, educator, advisor, sailor, friend, father, and husband. Andrew was an esteemed colleague at Tufts University School of Medicine, where he was an associate professor in the Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, and the Postdoctoral Officer for Tufts University. Previously, he had been a faculty member at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute, which he joined after post-doctoral and Ph.D. degree training at Yale University and University of California, Berkeley, respectively. He had many collaborators and scientific colleagues and was an author on more than 50 papers. Andrew's impact on the academic community and the lives he touched is immeasurable. An accomplished X-ray crystallographer, Andrew's precision and expertise were matched by his equally impressive skill as a juggler. Whether juggling clubs, balls, or even knives, his dexterity and focus were evident to all who watched. Andrew was equally adept at translating scientific data into visual representations. His structural figures, particularly ribbon drawings of proteins and DNA, displayed a meticulous attention to detail. A visionary thinker, Andrew's ideas ranged from conceptual to concrete. His contributions to robotics and microscopy are a testament to his innovative spirit. He held a patent and had another patent application pending, evidence of his inventive mind. An avid reader (about 375 books since Covid, according to his notes) and astute commentator, Andrew's insightful comments were frequently chosen for promotion in the New York Times, a testament to the value of his contributions. Moreover, he was honored to have two Letters to the Editor published in the print edition of the Times. A staunch advocate for political discourse and ranked-choice voting, Andrew's convictions were grounded in fairness. Andrew loved sailing and was on his fourth sailboat with his wife and co-captain of more than 30 years, Celia Harrison. As a yachtsman, Andrew was the ultimate do-it-yourself guy, resourcefully fixing up the family boats. At the same time, Andrew would take his family on many cruises and people from his academic community on exciting day sails. In his workshop, Andrew's talent for working with plywood and fiberglass bore fruit in the canoes and rowboats that graced his parents' lake in Armonk, NY. He loved other outdoor physical activities including scuba diving, cycling, building rock walls, hiking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Andrew's deep, resonant voice filled spaces with warmth and melody. His constant whistling, even in solitude, was a comforting presence. His remarkable ability to recall faces made everyone feel valued and acknowledged in his presence. His proficiency in electronics and 3D printers, coupled with his deftness with sewing machines, yielded a legacy of creations that enriched the lives of those around him. His love for cycling took him across European landscapes, and his camera and drone captured the beauty he encountered. In Maine, he found solace in trail improvement, a labor of love that left a lasting impact. Andrew had a unique ability to distinguish between shades, which gave him an uncanny knack for discovering four-leaf clovers, reflecting his acute powers of observation. He excelled at making schnitzel and kirschstengeli, reflecting his Swiss heritage. Above all, Andrew's love and support for his children, Remy (Tufts 2020) and Gil (Brandeis 2022) was boundless. He taught them to read, swim, ski, and sail; he read endless books to them out loud, helped with math homework, and guided them through life. His devotion as a father was complemented by his commitment to teaching and advising. His quest for fairness in evaluating applicants reflected his unwavering belief in the potential within each individual, irrespective of their educational background. In addition to his wife and grown children, Andrew is survived by his mother, Susan Bohm; siblings, Matt Bohm, Monica Morrison, and Cliff Bohm; and many other family members who all loved him. In coming together to commemorate Andrew's life, we honor a man whose brilliance was equaled only by his kindness. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the A. Andrew Bohm Fund at Tufts University School of Medicine (go.tufts.edu/Bohm). A memorial event at Tufts University School of Medicine will be held on October 20, 2023. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend. To share memories of Andrew, please visit BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com Henry J. Burke & Sons Wellesley Hills