After 36 years of creating transformational leaders, Angelo DeLucia, Ph.D., professor of molecular virology and cancer biology, is preparing for retirement.
Dr. DeLucia began at NEOMED in 1987 after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at State University of New York, Stoney Brook. His initial research, which continued throughout his career, examined how the human papillomavirus (commonly known as HPV) replicates and how it could be disrupted. At the time, HPV was responsible for more than 250,000 deaths to women worldwide per year, as it was the initial spark to cervical, head, neck and anal cancer. The death rate was much higher outside of the U.S. in under-resourced countries.
Dr. DeLucia’s research revolved around trying to develop a low-cost HPV medicine useful in environments with limited access to health care. His group discovered that components in flaxseeds could disrupt HPV replication and persistence. Fortunately, while Dr. DeLucia was investigating treatment methods, an HPV vaccine was being developed that is now saving lives around the globe.
Strong mentors
He credits many strong mentors for his longevity and success.
“If you adapt and enjoy what you do, this place will help you thrive,” Dr. DeLucia said.
Among his mentors were Robert Liebelt, M.D., Ph.D., charter dean of medicine (“He was always available for questions to discuss his research on alcoholism”), James Tan, M.D., professor of internal medicine (“He inspired me to broaden research interests and how to teach infectious diseases to students”), Thomas File, M.D., professor of internal medicine (“He has a vibrant curiosity that overflows to others”), Chatrchai Watanakunakorn, M.D., professor of internal medicine (“He was extremely driven and committed to his work and solving problems”), as well as Ken Rosenthal, Ph.D., professor of microbiology/immunology/biochemistry, and John Docherty, Ph.D., professor emeritus of microbiology/immunology/biochemistry. The final mentor he noted was William Chilian, Ph.D., professor of integrative medical sciences (“An extraordinary scientist as well as friend”).
This will not be Dr. DeLucia’s first attempt at retirement. His initial plan was to retire at the end of 2020, but while the COVID-19 pandemic led many to retire sooner than expected, it caused Dr. DeLucia to continue his career. During the initial chaos and confusion in the early days of the pandemic, Dr. DeLucia was a steady presence as an experienced and knowledgeable virologist. He made regular media appearances on NEOMED’s behalf and served on the Northeast Ohio COVID-19 Task Force. He still has plans to publish his research on how COVID-19 affects the functions of the heart and brain following his retirement from NEOMED.
Dr. DeLucia also will have some more leisurely activities to fill his time upon retirement. He looks forward to getting back into competitive chess. He would often play in chess tournaments before “life got in the way.” He also has a stack of books he is ready to dive into about ancient history, specifically those that cover the rise and fall of empires.
“It’s fascinating how societies begin with simple structures that become more complex structures, and how easily they can come apart once they are built,” Dr. DeLucia explained what draws him to the subject of ancient civilization.
He’ll also be spending time with one of his favorite pastimes by following his favorite soccer clubs – Manchester City, Chelsea and AC Milan, as well as the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami, which is led by Argentina megastar Lionel Messi. Dr. DeLucia spent most of his life playing soccer, but “retired” from the sport five years ago and just enjoys it as a spectator these days.
Dr. DeLucia is not too worried about NEOMED continuing to thrive while he is off enjoying retirement.
“I’m very confident in the young faculty and staff here. They are an extraordinary group and are building a promising future for the University.”