School of Health Sciences - History
Background
The first applications of radioactive isotopes in the pharmaceutical sciences had their beginning quietly and unobtrusively in the laboratories of Purdue University, where a method of testing enteric tablet coatings using sodium-24 as a radioactive label was reported in 1942. This pioneering research by John Christian made use of short-lived radioisotopes made in Purdue's cyclotron (one of the first in the United States, 1936) as well as radioisotopes obtained via early shipments from the first cyclotron operating at the University of California. Subsequently, in 1947, Professor Christian received one of the first shipments of a radioisotope produced in a nuclear reactor when reactor-by-product materials were released after the Second World War from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The first formal lecture and laboratory courses in the United States for teaching basic principles of radioactive isotope applications, including the use of tracer methodology in research, were developed and taught by Professor Christian in the School of Pharmacy starting in 1947. These courses included fundamental nuclear physics, health physics, pharmaceutical and medicinal research, and industrial applications. In 1948, Professor Christian was designated as “Coordinator of Bionucleonics Research” by the President of the University.
Formation of Radiological Control Department
In 1955, the Department of Radiological Control was formed with Professor Christian as Head. This department was responsible for the campus-wide radiation safety program, and was the forerunner of what is now called REM, Radiological and Environmental Management.
Establishment of Bionucleonics Department
In July, 1959, the Bionucleonics Department was established as part of the School of Pharmacy. John Christian served as Head of the Department. The Department included both the control functions of the Department of Radiological Control as well as the teaching and research functions associated with the use radioisotopes. In the 1960’s and early 1970’s, the Bionucleonics program expanded to include environmental health programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. In the late 1970’s industrial hygiene was added to the program.
Formation of School of Health Sciences
The School of Health Sciences, formed in 1979, evolved from several interdisciplinary activities relating to public and occupational health and to the control of environmental hazards. This included the radiological and environmental health activities in the Bionucleonics Department, the medical technology program in the School of Science, and the pre-pharmacy program in the School of Science. Professor Christian was appointed as Head of the new school.
Transition Years
In 1983, when Professor Christian stepped down as Head of the School, an administrative decision was made to place the management of the Health Sciences graduate program under the School of Pharmacy through the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. Through this period (until 1995), all of the Health Sciences faculty members held joint appointments in Health Sciences and Pharmacy, and all Health Sciences graduate students with a thesis option were enrolled as Medicinal Chemistry students. In 1996, the graduate program in Health Sciences became independent.
Also, in 1983, the Radiological Control Program, which had continued under the School of Health Sciences, was administratively transferred from the academic side of the university to the business side, operating under the jurisdiction of the Physical Plant Department. Responsibilities were expanded to included industrial hygiene, toxic waste management, and related environmental matters. This operation became what is now called REM.
From 1983 to 1990, and then from 1993 to 2000, Professor Paul Ziemer served as Head of the School of Health Sciences. During the period 1990 to 1993, when Professor Ziemer was on leave of absence to fill a position in the Bush administration in Washington, Professor Stanley Shaw served as Acting Head of the School.
Graduate Students
- Pre-Bionucleonics years: 1947-1959 (Students mentored by Professor Christian)
- 29 M.S.
- 33 Ph.D.
- Bionucleonics era: 1959-1979
- 138 M.S.
- 150 Ph.D.
- Health Sciences era: 1979-2000
- 124 M.S.
- 40 Ph.D.