Lawrence K. Duffy

Lawrence K. Duffy is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), affiliated with the College of Natural Science and Mathematics. He currently directs UAF’s Resilience and Adaptation Program, having previously served as Associate Dean of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics and UAF’s Graduate Dean. His career includes research positions at Harvard Medical School, Boston University, and the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology.

Education

• B.S. in Chemistry, Fordham University (1969)
• M.S. in Organic Chemistry, University of Alaska (1971)
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Alaska (1977)

Research Focus

Dr. Duffy’s research integrates biochemistry, environmental health, and neuroscience. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he pioneered biomarkers for wildlife health monitoring. His current Arctic-focused work examines mercury exposure in subsistence foods, neuroprotection mechanisms against contaminants, melatonin’s role in reducing stroke risk, and climate impacts on ecosystems. He develops sentinel species models (e.g., dogs) to study environmental toxicology.

Leadership & Service

• Principal Investigator for NIH-funded Alaska Special Neuroscience Research Program (SNRP)
• Executive Director of the Arctic Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Board Member of Fairbanks Community Mental Health Center
• Summer instructor for UAF’s Rural Alaska Honors Institute

Awards

• Usibelli Distinguished Research Award
• Sven Ebbesson Award for Neuroscience
• UAF Chancellor’s Award
• Carol Feist Outstanding Advisor Award
• NIDCD Minority Mentoring Award
• UAF Professional Achievement Award