Dr. L. (Niki) Erlenmeyer-Kimling

We have lost an extraordinary person, who lived an extraordinary life. On February 16, 2021, Dr. L. (Niki) Erlenmeyer-Kimling -- a trailblazing research scientist and geneticist -- passed away peacefully at her home in Stamford, Connecticut, rejoining her beloved husband, Carl, who had passed away several years earlier. She is survived by her closest family member, her cousin, William Seddon, nee Dirst, of North Carolina, as well as a host of family, friends and professional colleagues, both here and abroad. She was eighty-eight years old. A woman of brilliance, compassion, and vision, Dr. Erlenmeyer-Kimling was one among that rare group of people who made a significant difference in the world around her. Born on April 18, 1932, an only child, to Floyd Erlenmeyer and Dorothy Dirst, in Princeton, New Jersey, she was raised in the New York Metropolitan area. She attended the Latin Institute prior to majoring in Psychology at Columbia University. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University in 1957. With the continuing support of her husband Carl Kimling, who, throughout their many years together, was always her “knight in shining armor”, supporting, protecting and urging her ever onward, she took her Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia in 1961. She joined the Department of Medical Genetics of the New York State Psychiatric Institute in 1960 and quickly rose to become a Senior Principal Investigator, conducting a series of studies of various aspects of mental illness under grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Scottish Rite Foundation, among others. In 1977, she began the New York High-Risk Project (NYHRP), a prospective, longitudinal study of early indicators of schizophrenia. She remained the Principal Investigator of this landmark investigation for over 40 years. The data and insights from the NYHRP continue to guide and inspire ongoing efforts to uncover the etiology and precursors of severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and related disorders. In 1991, she became the first female Chief of the Department of Medical Genetics at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. At virtually the same time, she became a full Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, where she continued to teach for many decades. In both of these roles, she served as a mentor, advisor, sponsor and doctoral thesis reviewer for students at all levels, helping to build the next generation of psychologists, psychiatrists, and researchers, the generation that will perhaps finally solve the mysteries of mental illness. Simply put, Niki was a scientist who used the study of genetics to improve the lives of others. In addition to being a highly productive scientist (with well over 200 publications) and a generative mentor, she was the recipient of the highest career awards from many prestigious professional associations and organizations: the Theodosius Dobzhansky Award from Behavior Genetics Association (1985); National Institute of Mental Health MERIT Award (l989-1996); William K. Warren Schizophrenia Research Award from the International Congress on Schizophrenia Research (now Schizophrenia International Research Society, 1995); NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (2002); and Joseph Zubin Award, American PsychoPathological Association. In her private life, her passions were centered upon family, friends and several important causes dear to her. She and Carl were able to offer critical tuition assistance to the children of their friends and extended family, ensuring their ability to pursue higher education. At the same time, she was engaged in a tireless endeavor to protect and save animals at risk in this country and around the world. Her many contributions to such organizations as the Humane Society, the ASPCA, PETA, African Wildlife, and other organizations seeking to protect horses, dogs, cats and other animals from neglect and abuse, as well as her service in leadership capacities in these endeavors, is a testament to her commitment to their care. She was, as well, an ardent advocate for the advancement of women in both their personal and professional lives. Thus, she supported the National Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood, the American Association of University Women, and the American Civil Liberties Union, among others. And always, she was there– willing to listen, willing to help, willing to care – in support of her legion of friends, family and professional colleagues whom she now leaves in mourning at her departure. While we will continue to miss her greatly, we are also moved to celebrate a life well lived, indeed. A memorial in Dr. Erlenmeyer-Kimling’s honor will be planned at a later time, when the pandemic is over and it is safe to travel and hold public gatherings. In lieu of flowers or other donations, contributions may be made to the Carl F.E. Kimling Memorial Scholarship Fund at the School of General Studies: Columbia University, P.O. Box 1523, New York, New York. 10008.