Norman Klein, emeritus professor of animal science and former director of the Center for Environmental Health at UConn, died Oct. 23, 2009, aged 78. He was known for his commitment to social justice and political activism.
Klein fought with the Marines in the Korean War. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California at Davis in 1960, held a post-doc at UConn from 1960 to 1964, and was an assistant professor of biology at Marquette University, before returning to Storrs as a full-time faculty member in biological sciences and environmental health. He retired in 1997.
During his 33-year career at the University, he published some 50 scientific papers and many chapters in leading scientific books. He developed a test tube assay using rat embryos cultured in human serum into a sensitive assay for human reproductive toxicology. The development of the embryo amplified even very small amounts of teratogenic chemicals in human blood. In addition to identifying toxins, Klein was able to identify deficiencies in the serum of pregnant women, and was on occasion able to correct deficiencies known to cause birth defects by using a protocol of nutritional supplements.
His scholarship, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, brought him national and international recognition, but he particularly enjoyed teaching graduate students. Klein served as major advisor for many Ph.D. students, a number of whom now hold positions at some of the nation’s leading universities and scientific institutions.
He was often critical of the pharmaceutical industry and spoke out when he thought they were misinterpreting data or in his opinion being less than honest about the effects of certain drugs on human reproduction and development.
Klein was predeceased by his companion of 24 years, Sandy Schulte, a former professional staff member at UConn.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sandy Schulte Memorial Scholarship, and mailed to UCPEA, 18 Dog Lane, Storrs, CT 06268-6191. A remembrance gathering is planned for spring 2010. Family may be contacted via garbersu@msu.edu.
