Richard W. Compans, PhD
With deep sadness, we share that Dr. Richard (Dick) W. Compans passed away on November 25th. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marian. Dr. Compans was a cherished colleague, mentor, and friend whose impact on the field of virology and on all who worked with him will be felt for generations. Dick was the Microbiology and Immunology department Chair from 1992 until 2007, when he stepped down to lead the department’s first influenza center grant and program.
A pioneering scientist, Dr. Compans received his Ph.D. in virology from The Rockefeller University, where he studied parainfluenza viruses under the mentorship of Dr. Purnell Choppin. He continued his early work on influenza viruses as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Frank Fenner at the Australian National University. His academic career began at The Rockefeller University, where he rose from Assistant to Associate Professor before joining the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1975 as a Professor in the Department of Microbiology. In 1992, he was recruited to chair the Emory Microbiology and Immunology department, a role he served in with distinction until 2007.
Throughout his career, Dr. Compans made foundational contributions to understanding the structural organization of enveloped RNA viruses, the mechanisms governing viral glycoprotein trafficking, and the development of novel vaccine platforms. His work helped establish the principles of virus-like particle immunogens, mucosal immunity, and microneedle-based vaccination—areas that continue to shape modern vaccinology. His lab’s extensive use of the mouse model for vaccine evaluation set standards for influenza and viral vaccine research worldwide.
Dr. Compans received numerous honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, a Humboldt Fellowship Award, the Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Lecture and Award, and the Georgia Research Alliance Catalyst Award. Over his prolific career, he published more than 530 scientific papers and maintained an h-index exceeding 100, reflecting the lasting influence of his discoveries.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Compans profoundly shaped the future of our department by helping establish key partnerships with the Georgia Research Alliance and recruiting many outstanding faculty members. He was a dedicated mentor who cared deeply about the success of his students, fellows, and colleagues, always working to ensure they thrived in the next stages of their careers.
Dick pursued science with exceptional passion, curiosity, and humanity. His leadership, integrity, and generosity enriched our community, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.
He will be greatly missed.