Jeff Graham Tributes

Having come through SIO-PRL for my studies, the Graham lab was always a mainstay of the group, the excitement and the “unknown” aspects of how animals made a living in the ocean. I worked with Dr. Kooyman on marine mammals, but the two labs had much in common as we both tried to figure out the cost of exercise for large animals moving through water and the biochemical / physiological profiles of exercise. I taught The Physiology of Marine Organisms for over 20 years at the University of Alaska and every year, the students would get papers written by Jeff about the evolution air exchange, the function of gills, and learn about how swim tunnels worked. Just two weeks ago I was giving a guest lecture about hydrodynamics  and how I remembered the Graham Lab tuna in the Ring Tank at SIO-PRL when I  was there… It will be strange to visit SIO and not have him there.

— Dr. Michael Castellini, Dean, School of Fisheries and Ocean Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Jeff Graham: A Humble Man, with Great Achievements

Jeff’s research interests in cardiorespiratory physiology, especially how fish gills and hearts work, have regularly crisscrossed with mine for over three decades.  Therefore, I have long history of admiring his research achievements. We were friends. Yet, we never worked together at the bench.

Jeff tackled and solved some of the big research mysteries that have puzzled and teased comparative animal physiologists.  However, he was not one to blow his own horn.  Below are three examples of his great achievements. Indelibly stamped in the literature is his pioneer set of studies, which illuminated how a shark heart can paradoxically pump variable volumes of blood while contained within a relatively rigid pericardial chamber has become.

Jeff’s research is replete with technical innovations that others have since adopted or adapted. Yet, I doubt that anything will technically surpass Jeff’s innovation to swim large pelagic fishes (sharks and tunas) while performing respirometry - his colossal Elasmotunatron.  This innovation propelled forward the field of exercise physiology in fish.

Jeff’s masterful book, Air Breathing Fishes, is a marvelous example of the leadership he provided to our field. Absolutely nothing prior to this tome came close to its breadth and depth of coverage, and it will be a long time before its content is surpassed. Writing books is about leading others and this is exactly what Jeff’s tome does.

Deservedly, Jeff has a place among the giants of in the field of comparative animal physiology, which is decidedly in a much better shape for his contributions. He will be missed.

— Tony Farrell, Professor, University of British Columbia

At that interview, Jeff and I agreed that he would act as a permanent director would and go flat out to fix as many problems as he could in the time he had.

If you solve the people problems, the money problems will take care of themselves. Jeff’s first problem was staff morale.  Just having such a warm unselfish person in charge made a big difference. But it was essential to instill a sense of initiative--that the Aquarium could still mount displays and new exhibits, even if it was in debt. Jeff decided to build a shark tank the way an experimentalist would, piecing together bits of equipment and doing much of the work by himself, his students, and volunteers. One of the most important volunteers was Howard Robbins and his wife Lynne, who provided a funding jumpstart. Howard was even put to work several days a week building the tank, and Howard enlisted some of his friends from industry to donate their services. The shark tank got done and it is still there. It gives the Aquarium the opportunity to teach that most sharks are harmless, that they are endangered, and should be protected.

Then there was the issue of strategic direction. To Jeff, it was simple. The Aquarium does not work for the upper campus; the Aquarium does not work for Scripps; it works with Scripps. The Aquarium’s unique opportunity lies in showcasing Scripps science and teaching its significance. The Aquarium staff are professional communicators who can help Scripps scientists tell their story to the public. To do this, you had to build partnerships among staff and scientists. Jeff started this process off, by initiating the monthly Monday evening lectures, in which Scripps scientists give lectures to the general public on their research. It is impressive how much time the scientists put into their presentations, which are now televised on UCSD-TV. The Perspective on Ocean Science televised lectures, which recently had their five millionth download, are probably the primary way Scripps science reaches the public. They are becoming a chronicle of ocean science and a valuable historical resource.

It is astounding to me that Jeff had done the job of a full-time director while still continuing his research and meeting with his students. How many trips a day did he make between lab and Aquarium? How many students went back and forth with him? We will never know and, alas, he is not here to tell us. But it had to be wearing, perhaps most of all to Rosemary. Jeff must have been the happiest person of all when we recruited Nigella Hillgarth to be permanent Director. The Aquarium has prospered mightily since she came. This year, it was named the best museum in San Diego. Nigella and I both agree that Jeff  reversed terminal decline, stabilized the Aquarium, and started it on the path to excellence which it has followed since.

It is not too much to say Jeff Graham saved the Aquarium. The more the time passes, the more we realize this.

When Jeff stepped down, there was the question of how to honor him. We decided to rename the lecture series he created, The Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science. The series has become a fixture, and Jeff’s name will be associated with the Aquarium for years, decades, to come.

— Charles F. Kennel, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science, Emeritus; Senior Advisor, Sustainability Solutions Institute, UC San Diego

Melba and I have lost a great scholar, scientist, and friend. We will miss his wry comments, words of wisdom, and his leadership on this campus.

— Gerald Kooyman, Professor of Biology, Emeritus, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Jeff was a good friend and mentor who has influenced me throughout my career. He had a profound impact on all of his students. He pushed us to think more deeply about our science, especially the evolutionary implications, and ensured that we appreciated the historical context of our work. We learned more because he involved us in aspects of the physiological work with which he and other students and colleagues were engaged, even if it was not directly related to our own projects, and he forged a network among us all. Early on, he recognized the importance of international experiences for students, perhaps as a result of his own work abroad, and he helped obtain funding to allow such opportunities for his students. He has shaped us all, and will be missed for his contributions to science, his friendship, humor, humanity, and artistic talents. Now his influence will live on through his students.

— Kathryn Dickson, Professor of Biology, California State University, Fullerton; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ph.D., 1988