Brad Bennett, associate professor of biology at Samford University, recently served as guest editor for a special issue of Biology dedicated to the memory of his late PhD adviser Chris G. Dealwis. The issue Hybrid Methods for Structural Biology and Drug Design commemorates Dealwis’s contributions to structural biology and drug design following his unexpected passing in 2022.
Dealwis, formerly an associate professor of pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University, specialized in high-resolution structural biology. His work advanced the understanding of macromolecular structures including renin, chemokines, amyloid-recognizing antibodies, ribonucleotide reductase and dihydrofolate reductase. He was particularly known for his expertise in integrating multiple structural methods such as X-ray and neutron crystallography, mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy to explore complex biological systems and improve drug design strategies.
As guest editor, Bennett curated a collection of research that reflects Dealwis’s interdisciplinary approach. All the articles in the special issue were authored or co-authored by former members of Dealwis’s lab or former collaborators.
Additionally, Bennett authored two topical reviews within the issue. His first review explores advancements in our understanding of how junctional channels between cells work, while the second examines the unique advantage of using neutron crystallography techniques in locating water molecules important to enzyme function.
"Chris taught me that science and research are journeys, not endpoints,” Bennett said. “Once you solved a problem or got to an answer, it should lead to further questions."
Beyond his mentorship, Dealwis was known for his strong Christian faith and the passion and mercy he extended to those around him.
"I was deeply saddened and disappointed when I heard of his death, as we still collaborated on research and co-wrote articles together," Bennett said. "I felt compelled that his legacy needed to be celebrated in some way."
The memorial issue also embodies Dealwis’s commitment to interdisciplinary research.
"He didn't want to be a 'one trick pony' and emphasized this to the trainees in his lab," Bennett said. "This idea in biology is now called 'hybrid methods' and Chris was on the leading wave of scientists that embraced this new research path."
The issue features research from scientists across multiple disciplines reinforcing Dealwis’s broad influence in biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology.
