Joan Abramowitz (1949-2005)

Dr. Joan Abramowitz was an associate professor of microbiology in the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of Houston-Downtown. She earned her B.S degree from Ithaca College and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from New York University. Her research and publication interests included microbiology and the health professions. She served as coordinator of the microbiology degree program, as chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee, and as a member of the Faculty Senate. She was also a member of the Texas Association for Microbiology and the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. Dr. Abramowitz was the recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2002 and deeply committed to her students, working side by side with them in the laboratory and mentoring them in their pursuit of research opportunities. She played a central role in the establishment of the UHD Scholars Academy.