MIT cell biology pioneer recognized for her substantial contributions

The staff and administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently honored the scientific contributions of Angelika Amon, an MIT cell biologist who pioneered research on chromosome imbalance, after her passing at the age of 53.

Amon was a biology professor at MIT and member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, according to an MIT news release. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer approximately 2.5 years ago.

“Angelika was a force of nature and a highly valued member of our community,” Tyler Jacks, the David H. Koch Professor of Biology at MIT and director of the Koch Institute, was quoted as saying in the release. “Her intellect and wit were equally sharp, and she brought unmatched passion to everything she did. Through her groundbreaking research, her mentorship of so many, her teaching, and a host of other contributions, Angelika has made an incredible impact on the world – one that will last long into the future.”

From her earliest research, Amon contributed to the understanding of the effects of additional chromosomes on the risks of developing specific types of cancer, including links related to the connection between Down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, according to the release. Her discoveries led to her position as co-director of the recently-formed Alana Down Syndrome Center at MIT.

“Angelika’s intellect and research were as astonishing as her bravery and her spirit. Her lab’s fundamental work on aneuploidy was integral to our establishment of the center,” Li-Huei Tsai, the Picower Professor of Neuroscience and co-director of the Alana Down Syndrome Center, was quoted as saying in the release. “Her exploration of the myriad consequences of aneuploidy for human health was vitally important and will continue to guide scientific and medical research.”

Her scientific interest was never bounded by her own field, though, and Amon had expressed a varied interest in scientific inquiry, even recently developing an interest in terraforming as an essential element in the development of human habitation beyond earth, according to the release.