Dongxian Zhang

1953 - 2017

Dongxian Zhang February 12, 1953 - March 23, 2017 SAN DIEGO - After a courageous 18-month fight against glioblastoma, an aggressive tumor affecting the brain, Dongxian Zhang passed away peacefully in the company of his family on March 23, 2017. He remained calm and accepting throughout his illness. An Associate Professor at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in La Jolla, CA, Dongxian described his research as his life's work, a passion for science that gave his life meaning and that was a source of tremendous pride. His research activities were focused on neuroscience and were continually supported by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and various private foundations across the United States. Together with his postdoctoral fellows, Dongxian published his lab's discoveries in highly reputable scientific journals, including Nature and eLife. Dongxian lived an unusual and admirable life that took him across China from his hometown of Shanghai to a rural village on the border with Vietnam, from college in Beijing to Texas for his Ph.D. studies, and later to both coasts of the United States, finally settling in San Diego with his wife and two sons. Besides his passion for scientific research, Dongxian loved music, art, and travel. He treasured his many lasting friendships and was a devoted father and supportive husband. He was proud of the accomplishments of his family and enjoyed traveling with them around the world. After his two sons left home for college, he developed a new hobby, golf, realizing that San Diego's beautiful weather provided a paradise for golfers. Dongxian will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Dong-Er Zhang, and his two sons, David and Phillip.