Ching-Hsien Huang

1935-2023

Dr. Ching-hsien Huang, a biophysical chemist, passed away on December 27th at age 88.

Ching-hsien is survived by his wife of 50 years, Laura Huang; children Tien-tsin and Tien-wei; grandchildren: Tyler (Zi-xia), Hannah (Zi-you), Emerybelle (Lee-zen), and Bryant (Huay-chiang).

Ching-hsien was born on October 24, 1935, in Tien-tsin, China. He earned a B.S. degree from Tunghai University in 1959, his PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 1965, and postdoc at The Max-Planck-Institute for Physical Chemistry 1965-67.

Professionally, Ching-hsien’s career spanned 33 years at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, starting in 1967 as Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry. He became the first Asian full professor at UVA in 1977. Honors include Helen Hay Whitney Fellow, 1966-69; Citation Classics, 02/08/82, Current Contents/Life Science; Heinrich Wieland Prize, 1989; Avanti Lipid Award, the Biophysical Society, 1997; Supelco/Nicholas Pelick Research Award, the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 2001. He was honored Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia, in 2001.

Ching-hsien was extremely proud of his work and publications as a biophysical chemist. He was also passionate about Chinese history and art, publishing several articles and books after retiring from UVA. He was a tireless researcher and teacher.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Ching-hsien and Laura Huang Family Jefferson Scholarship. Jefferson Scholars Foundation, 112 Clarke Court, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or online at www.jeffersonscholars.org