Medicine

Remembering teacher, mentor, scientist Robert Bonneau

Dr. Rob Bonneau with high school students in a summer research program in 2009. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

HERSHEY, Pa. — Robert Bonneau had a passion for Penn State College of Medicine and its students. Through his 25-year career with Penn State, he served in a number of roles that advanced both the education and research missions, and endeared himself to hundreds of medical and graduate students.

Bonneau died on Thursday, March 3, after an illness.

His association with Penn State started with his undergraduate degree in microbiology from University Park in 1983. He then attended the College of Medicine for his doctorate in microbiology, which he received in 1989. He joined the staff in 1991 as a research associate and was named a professor of microbiology and immunology in 2006.

“In the short time I've known Rob, I've come to treasure our many conversations about immunology, 30-plus year recollections of current and former members of our department, love of Penn State, and his unerring allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates,” said Dr. Aron Lukacher, professor and chair of microbiology and immunology. “I also had the pleasure of witnessing his immense skill and joy teaching our medical students. Rob was a wonderful colleague and friend. I will miss him dearly.”

According to Richard Courtney, emeritus professor and former chair of microbiology and immunology, Bonneau connected with the college’s medical students.

“He had a real passion for the teaching of immunology to medical students,” Courtney said. ”The students were quick to recognize his total commitment and were the beneficiaries of the innovative approaches he employed within his lectures. He was not hesitant to invest vast amounts of time and effort to apply unique methods to make very complex topics understandable.”

He received several teaching awards over the years, including the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and a variety of class awards. He was named a Distinguished Educator in 2008.

That passion also showed in his work with the college’s graduate students.

“He demonstrated the finest qualities of a mentor associated with the training of young scientists,” Courtney said.  “He challenged his graduate students and set the bar high for their performance.  He was highly supportive; however, encouraged them to think independently in the development of their research projects.”

View the full story on Penn State Medicine.

Last Updated March 4, 2016