Virologist and Former HHMI President Purnell Choppin Dies at 91

Choppin drastically expanded the institute during his tenure in the 1980s and ’90s.

Written byLisa Winter

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Purnell Choppin wearing a suit and tie, in front of a portrait and bookshelf.

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Purnell Choppin, whose work was integral to understanding viral mechanics, died on July 3, just one day shy of his 92nd birthday, of prostate cancer. He was a founding member of the American Society for Virology and is best known for his time as president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), which he shaped into one of the world’s largest scientific philanthropic organizations.

Choppin was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1929. He stayed local for his education, graduating from Louisiana State University in 1949 and earning his medical degree there in 1953. The following year, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a medical officer. Bookending his service, he completed an internship and residency at hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri.

Switching from medical practice to research, Choppin joined the Rockefeller University in 1957 as a postdoc. According to the university’s obituary, ...

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Meet the Author

Lisa Winter
Lisa joined The Scientist in 2017. As social media editor, some of her duties include creating content, managing interactions, and developing strategies for the brand’s social media presence. She also contributes to the News & Opinion section of the website. Lisa holds a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell, and developmental biology from Arizona State University and has worked in science communication since 2012.
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