It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Diane Griffin, MD, PhD, passed away on Monday, October 28. She was 84. A valued colleague, friend and mentor to many in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Griffin leaves a legacy of impactful work and personal relationships that reach far beyond Johns Hopkins.
After completing her doctoral degrees and residency at Stanford University, Diane came to Hopkins as a postdoctoral fellow in the Virology Department in 1973. She rose through the ranks and became Chair of the W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and served in that capacity from 1994 through 2014. In 2015, she became a University Distinguished Service Professor in the Bloomberg School.
In 2013, Diane became Vice President of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and was still serving in that role at the time of her death. She assumed leadership positions and membership in many professional scientific organizations throughout her career, and her honors and accolades are extensive, spanning six decades.
Diane never said ‘no’ and through her unrelenting work ethic made a tremendous difference in everything she did. She traveled the world collaborating and speaking about science. Her door was always open and her institutional historical knowledge was vast and precise.
From Dr. Arturo Casadevall, Chair, Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology: "Diane was a giant in her field, both here at Johns Hopkins and worldwide."
From Dr. Robert Bollinger: "My first real research experience as a Fellow was working on a project in Diane's lab. I have vivid memories of her taking the time to sit with me in the lab for hours to show me how to “work with mice”. She did not need to do this. But she was so dedicated to supporting and encouraging me and all of the many, many, many young investigators in her lab. Diane is the reason that I decided that I should give research a try. She was so brilliant; so kind, so encouraging and such a terrific role model for me and for so many others. For me, she defined what it meant to be a great mentor and great person. What a tremendous loss."
From Dr. Andrea Cox: "Diane was legendary in so many ways and a wonderful colleague whom I will greatly miss."
From Dr. Thomas Quinn: "Diane was a real leader in the field of virology and at Hopkins. She was warm, friendly, and I always enjoyed meeting and talking to her. She was a major force at the Academy of Sciences and at the American Society of Microbiology. Diane will be missed by many."
From Dr. Cindy Sears: "What a strong, brilliant, unflappable woman–so many memories of how she provided a leadership and investigative example for us all, plus was so personally supportive of each of us, with a lovely sense of humor."
Plans are underway for a Celebration of Life this spring and those details will be shared as soon as they are available. At the request of her family, funeral arrangements will be private. Please keep Diane's two sons, Todd and Erik, their spouses, her grandchildren and her two sisters in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
View the announcement from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
