Deceased Faculty
Arnold Wishnia, 1931-2026
Research Associate Professor Emeritus
We sadly share that Arnold Wishnia, research associate professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry, passed away on July 10. He is survived by Judith Wishnia, his wife of nearly 55 years and a founding faculty member of the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Prof. Arnold Wishnia retired years ago, but had been an active and contributing member of the Department of Chemistry for many years. His research interests centered on "the structure and behavior of a variety of macromolecules and macromolecular systems (proteins, nucleic acids, ribosomes, phospholipid vesicles)" by several techniques including magnetic resonance imaging using laser-polarized 129Xe. In addition, the Wishnia Award was named after both his wife, Judy, and Arnold for their lifelong dedication to the UUP and its various causes.
According to the Stony Brook UUP chapter, Arnold "embodied the values of UUP through his unwavering commitment to union rights, academic freedom, and shared governance. His dedication to the union was so significant that the Stony Brook Chapter established the Wishnia Award in recognition of the lifelong service and advocacy he and you both provided to UUP and its members."
On behalf of the Chemistry Department, we offer our sincere condolences as well as our thoughts and prayers to Judith and her family on their loss; he will be keenly missed.
Biochemistry
The structure and behavior of a variety of macromolecules and macromolecular systems (proteins, nucleic acids, ribosomes, phospholipid vesicles) have been studied by several techniques. For example, processes related to initiation of protein synthesis were studied by stopped-flow or pressure-jump light-scattering or fluorescence, as well as by more "classical" techniques of molecular biology. The behavior of ribosomes as polyelectrolytes is a continuing interest. The mechanism of cation-induced fusion of phospholipid vesicles--models for the behavior of biological membranes--was probed by stopped-flow fluorescence and light-scattering, while the nature of the vesicle surfaces was investigated by 31P NMR and fluorescence lifetime studies of the interaction with lanthanide cations. NMR has been used over the years to explore problems in protein and nucleic acid behavior. Currently, the emphasis is on magnetic resonance imaging using laser-polarized 129Xe.
Publications
Use of magnetic resonance imaging for noninvasive characterization and follow-up of an experimental injury to normal mouse muscles. Wishnia A, Alameddine H, de Gery ST, Leroy-Willig A. NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS, 11 (1): 50-55 JAN 2001
Magnetic susceptibility shift selected imaging (MESSI) and localized (H2O)-H-1 spectroscopy in living plant tissues. Zhong K, Li X, Shachar-Hill Y, Picart F, Wishnia A, Springer CS. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE, 13 (7): 392-397 NOV 2000
In vivo MR imaging and spectroscopy using hyperpolarized Xe-129. Wagshul ME, Button TM, Li HFF, Liang ZR, Springer CS, Zhong K, Wishnia. AMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, 36 (2): 183-191 AUG 1996
Hyperpolarized xe-129 magnetic-resonance spectroscopy and imaging of the living mouse. Wishnia A, Button T, Li H, Wagshul ME. FASEB JOURNAL, 9 (6): A1386-A1386 APR 24 1995