Nick Cozzarelli: A Personal Remembrance

Abstract

In the weeks following Nick Cozzarelli’s untimely passing two years ago, much was written about his fundamental contributions to molecular biology [1–6]. It is not our intent here to recapitulate an account of his groundbreaking scientific contributions or his outstanding service to the scientific community, which were covered well previously. Instead, we offer a personal portrayal of Nick as seen through the eyes of those who worked in his laboratory. As postdocs in the Cozzarelli laboratory spanning the years between 1989 and 1997 (S.D.L. 1989–92; L.Z. 1990–97), we were privileged to witness firsthand a period when the scope of Nick’s interests and the range of techniques he would apply to problems underwent a dramatic expansion.