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Patrick M. O’Connor

In Memoriam: Patrick M. O’Connor

(07/30/1960 - 07/04/2016)Member since 1989

Patrick M. O’Connor, PhD, AACR member since 1989, died July 4, 2016, at the age of 55. O’Connor had most recently served as chief scientific officer and senior vice president, head of research at Ignyta Inc. in San Diego.

O’Connor was an associate editor of Cancer Research from 2000 to 2009 and a senior editor of the journal from 2010 to 2015.

While working at the National Cancer Institute, O’Connor investigated the molecular underpinnings of chemosensitivity, which helped evolve the area of Chk1 kinase therapeutics. He then held multiple industry leadership positions throughout his career, including vice president and head of global oncology research at Pfizer, vice president and worldwide head of oncology research at Warner-Lambert Inc., and vice president of the oncology research division at Agouron Pharmaceuticals Inc. In addition, he co-founded Selexagen Therapeutics Inc.

Born July 30, 1960, O’Connor received his doctorate from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.