University community mourns death of Mark Richter, professor of molecular biosciences

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is mourning the death of Mark Richter, 69, professor of molecular biosciences. He died Dec. 26, 2020, following a seven-week battle with COVID-19.

“Professor Richter was a talented researcher and an award-winning teacher to countless students during his long career at KU,” said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. “Beyond that, he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and humor, which made him a beloved friend and colleague to so many throughout the KU community. On behalf of the entire university, I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him."

Richter came to KU as an associate professor, joining the department now known as molecular biosciences, where he taught undergraduate and graduate biology, undergraduate and graduate biochemistry and graduate physical biochemistry. He was promoted to professor in 2002 and had served as chair of the department.

Richter conducted federally funded research on photosynthesis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and on biosensors for GABA, serotonin, histamine and nicotine.

A memorial service in Lawrence will be planned at a later date.