Sad News
Jan. 2, 2018
Dear Members of the Brandeis Community,
We are deeply saddened to inform you of the death of postdoctoral fellow Gajendradhar Dwivedi, who passed away unexpectedly on December 29 at age 32. He leaves his wife, Shweta, and a two-month-old daughter. We offer our deepest condolences to Gajendra’s family, friends and loved ones.
A promising and exceptionally bright young scientist, Gajendra touched many lives at Brandeis since joining Professor James Haber’s lab in April 2015. Gajendra, who earned a PhD in biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science, in Bangalore, was working on understanding how cells protect the integrity of their chromosomes from breaks that occur in DNA. His imaginative work will be featured in a chapter of a book titled “Mechanisms of DNA Recombination and Genome Rearrangements” (in press) as well as in his first major research publication, which, at the time of his death, was being readied for submission.
Not only was Gajendra creative in his scholarly work, he brightened the world around him with his great good humor and caring for others. He was devoted to his family, and was warmly regarded by faculty and staff.
For all those who wish to come together to remember Gajendra, a visitation will be held at 10-11 a.m. tomorrow at Faggas Funeral Home, 551 Mt. Auburn St., in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Losing a colleague is incredibly difficult. In this time of grief and inexplicable tragedy, it is important for us to support one another, especially Gajendra’s family and friends. We encourage you to reach out for the support you need in whatever way is most comfortable for you. The Brandeis Counseling Center, at 781-736-3730, is available to help you access grief counseling, and members of our Multifaith Chaplaincy are available at 781-736-3570.
As we usher in a New Year that we hope brings peace, purpose and progress for humanity, Gajendra’s passing is a sad reminder of the fragility of life, and the blessing and privilege of the presence of every member of our special community.
Sincerely,
Ron Liebowitz
President
Susan Birren
Dean, Arts and Sciences