Nuran Ercal, an expert in the study of lead toxicity, became the Richard K. Vitek/Foundation for Chemical Research Endowed Chair in Biochemistry at Missouri S&T on June 1. The chair was established in 2005 through a lead gift of nearly $800,000 from Richard K. Vitek, Chem’58, and his wife, Marilyn. It will help combine the expertise of faculty from the departments of chemistry, biological sciences, and chemical and biological engineering.
In addition to the gift from the Viteks, major contributions were provided by Missouri S&T’s Foundation for Chemical Research and other donors, and matched by the University of Missouri.
Ercal joined S&T in 1990. Her research focuses on free radicals in biological systems, metal toxicity and the benefits of antioxidants.