Don Stuss Memorial
  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Announcements
  • Contact

Don Stuss 1941-2019

Don Stuss was one of the foremost contemporary neuropsychologists, world leader in the neuroscientific study of the prefrontal cortex, and founding director of two leading neuroscience institutes (the Rotman Research Institute and the Ontario Brain Institute). Don’s science always started with clinical observations and was centered on questions central to humanity, such as how we view ourselves and others and how we successfully function in the world. In the same vein, Don brought his humanity into all of his interactions, leaving many indelible impressions throughout the world in his personal and professional networks.

The purpose of this website is for people touched by Don to share thoughts and memories as we celebrate his life and grieve his loss. To leave a comment on the page please click here. If you have any photos that you would like to share in the gallery please send them in an email to blevine@research.baycrest.org.
                                                                                                       -Brian Levine

                     - B
Picture

Paula McLaughlin

9/13/2019

1 Comment

 
I had the honour (and luck) of working with Don at both the Rotman and OBI! I first met Don in 2002 after he agreed to hire me as a summer student. I was a mediocre undergraduate at best, and for some reason Darlene Floden had convinced him to give me a shot. Dar, who had interviewed me because Don was out of town, must have been desperate! Regardless, this summer position would shape my professional trajectory immensely. I went on to complete my undergraduate thesis with Don that fall, and then worked in his lab as a RA, before heading off to graduate school. As I reflect back on that time, what stands out is not the science or research (which were obviously impressive) or the unequivocal fact that Don was an exceptional teacher (which was also very apparent), but just how extraordinarily approachable he was. Don was warm and welcoming. He was genuinely interested in you as a person. Don cultivated a collegial environment, and instilled the importance of camaraderie both within his lab and amongst the various students, RAs, and scientists at the Rotman. (I still fondly remember him coming into the lab on a Monday at 3:55pm firmly saying “What are you doing?! We have rounds!” And from that day forward I never missed a talk during my time at the Rotman, no matter what the topic was.) Despite his hectic schedule Don always made time for lab dinners and excursions – and kindly hosted us at his home and cottage on various occasions. Over the years Don continued to provide guidance and mentorship. He was always generous with his time, giving many pearls of wisdom as I fumbled through grad school and my postdoc. Then, almost 10 years after leaving his lab for grad school, I was incredibly fortunate to land a position on one of the OBI’s Integrated Discovery Programs. Once again I was working with Don - but this time I was a colleague! Those early days on ONDRI were challenging. Having just completed my postdoc, I was joining a team of remarkable senior scientists and clinicians, tasked with leading the neuropsychology aspect of the program. It was daunting to say the least. But, as always, Don was there to offer sage advice and support, as well as a laugh or two. His ability to bring people together was absolutely astonishing. I will always be grateful for what Don did for me professionally and personally (he even facilitated my recent re-location to Halifax!). Don - Thank you for your generosity, guidance, and patience. Thank you for teaching me and showing me the importance of collaboration and camaraderie. And thank you for giving me a shot so many years ago.

1 Comment
Landon H link
5/20/2022 08:32:04 am

Nice blog thanks for poosting

Reply



Leave a Reply.


    ​Obituaries written by Don's friends and colleagues:

    American Psychologist
    Brian Levine and Gus Craik.
    Read it here


    The Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
    Mick Alexander, Terry Picton & Tim Shallice

    Canadian Psychologist
    Gus Craik & Brian Levine
    Read it here. 

    Appreciation of Don in the Globe and Mail. Click here. 

    Call for Abstracts: Special Issue of Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience in honour of Don Stuss
    Click here for details.

    Archives

    October 2019
    September 2019

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Announcements
  • Contact