January 18, 2006 :: No. 112

L. Jack Bradshaw, emeritus professor of biological science at Cal State Fullerton, died Jan. 7 at the age of 82.

A specialist in immunology, Bradshaw gained attention for his research endeavors on Ehrlich ascites malignancy, a common cancer in mice. He devised a method that halted the spread of the cancer by using a nucleoprotein obtained from sperm cells of certain fish. His studies later broadened into efforts to controlling cancer by means of genetic regulation and were supported by grants from the American Cancer Society and National Science Foundation.

In the 1970s, Bradshaw was involved in the testing of an experimental drug to increase the body's ability to overcome symptoms of the herpes simplex virus. The clinical aspects of the 1975-77 study were carried out in the university's student health center; Bradshaw conducted the scientific phase in his laboratory.

He joined Cal State Fullerton in 1965 from San Bernardino Valley College, where he served for two years as chair of the microbiology department. In 1971, he was named director of the university's new Institute for Molecular Biology. The institute was established as a means of pooling research talents of scholars from numerous fields of science to tackle problems connected with human welfare, such as disease, genetic maladies, effects of pollution and aging.

Bradshaw, who earned his bachelor's degree and doctorate from Stanford University, served as a predoctoral fellow with the U.S. Public Health Service from 1952-54. He was granted emeritus status in 1988 and relocated to the Pacific Northwest. He last resided in Washington.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters Christina and Claudia; sons Jeff and Donald; a brother and sister. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the L. Jack Bradshaw Scholarship, account 70443, c/o the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation, 2600 E. Nutwood Ave., Ste. 850, Fullerton, CA 92831.

« back to News Front