Arnold School Students and Colleagues Reflect
Students and colleagues at the Arnold School of Public Health remember Raja Fayad as an inspirational teacher, dedicated researcher and gentle soul. "He was soft spoken, but had a witty humor," says Emily Looney, a sophomore majoring in exercise science. "He always related the topics covered in class to his experience during medical school, and I remember thinking that this was one of the smartest professors I have come into contact with; there wasn't a question he couldn't answer."
Raja Fayad (second from the left) in the lab with colleagues
Other students describe Fayad as responsive and caring toward students, making jokes and telling stories about growing up in Lebanon to create an informal class environment. He also invited interested students to observe the work in his lab or participate in his research. Fayad served as a mentor to many students over the years, most recently to Rupa Mehta, an undergraduate who researched colon cancer inflammation with him. "He was such a kind-hearted man who encouraged students to join in on his research and go to office hours to ask questions," says Mehta.
Colleagues at the Arnold School, where Fayad held an associate professor position in the Department of Exercise Science, confirm his devotion to research and marvel at his ability to collaborate across numerous disciplines within the public health field. Fayad recently worked with researchers in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior to examine inflammation related to changes in dietary patterns. In another project, he studied obesity and toxic mercury accumulation with Sarah Rothenberg, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, with findings that opened up new research venues.
Coworkers at the Center for Colon Cancer Research, where Fayad explored his primary research interest of colorectal cancer, echo similar sentiments. "Were he able to continue with his work with colon cancer research," says Director Frank Berger, "he would have saved lives and made other lives better. He was an important person for the research he did, but he was also important because he was a great collaborator and had an upbeat personality."
Heather Brandt, who is a Center affiliate and an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior at the Arnold School, explains that the Center is unique in that it brings together researchers from all disciplines to focus on colorectal cancer -- laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, social and behavioral scientists, and others. "While we take our work seriously, we also take time to enjoy camaraderie and collegiality -- to laugh and share jokes; Raja was part of that" Brandt says.
The recurrent theme expressed by those who knew Fayad was his positive disposition, quick smile and peaceful soul. They describe him as friendly and optimistic, with a joyful personality and generous spirit. Jan Eberth, another Center affiliate and an assistant professor in the Arnold School's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, adds "Raja was a very humble, kind soul. He was not the kind of guy to boast about himself, although he had plenty to boast about."
Fayad earned his medical degree from the University of Aleppo in Syria in 1998 and completed his residency in Lebanon in 2002. He was a Research Associate at Loyola University School of Medicine (2002-2004), and then held a postdoctoral position at the University of Illinois at Chicago (2004-2007) before joining the Arnold School of Public Health in 2008. Faculty, staff and students of the Arnold School feel honored to have known him and will remember his commitment to teaching, scientific expertise and endearing character.
The Raja Fayad Memorial Fund has been established to remember Dr. Fayad. This fund will be used to continue his positive influence on students and faculty within the Arnold School of Public Health.
Gifts made in memory of Professor Fayad can be made online by clicking the Donate button:
or
By mailing a check made payable to University Foundations to the following address:
University of South Carolina
Office of Gift Processing
1027 Barnwell Street
Columbia, SC 29208
