Remembering Dr. M. Laura Feltri: A Beacon of Scientific Brilliance, Inspiration, and Compassion

Dear Jacobs School Community,

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our beloved colleague and renowned physician, M. Laura Feltri, MD. She lost her battle with cancer on Dec. 25, surrounded by her loved ones in her native Italy. Dr. Feltri was 60 years old.

A SUNY Distinguished Professor of biochemistry and neurology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and director of UB's Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Dr. Feltri's achievements were recognized with the highest honor this past year, her election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This prestigious recognition underscored the profound impact of her lifetime contributions to the field.

Since 2011, Dr. Feltri's groundbreaking work at the Jacobs School has revolutionized our understanding of multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and Krabbe leukodystrophy, offering hope to patients and reshaping the fight against these challenging conditions.

Working with her husband Lawrence Wrabetz, MD, she made numerous seminal discoveries, including the first mutagenesis tool for studying myelin development, all while bringing hope to patients with myelin diseases.

Beyond her impactful research, Dr. Feltri's legacy lives on in the countless students and colleagues she mentored and inspired. Her passion for science, combined with her support and guidance, ignited the minds of a generation of promising researchers. Her presence on our faculty enriched our academic discourse, and her leadership extended beyond the Jacobs School, as evidenced by her service on prestigious panels and boards.

The void left by Dr. Feltri's passing is immense. We mourn her loss deeply, but we also celebrate her exceptional contributions and the enduring impact she has left on our community. Celebrate her life and groundbreaking work: read her full obituary here.

In the coming year, we will work together to honor her legacy, ensuring her brilliant work and spirit continue to illuminate the path for future generations.

Our deepest condolences go to Dr. Feltri's husband and five children during this difficult time. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers. Information about a memorial service or other opportunities to honor Dr. Feltri's memory will be shared as soon as available.

In the meantime, let us remember Dr. Feltri for her groundbreaking research, her dedication to mentoring, and her unwavering spirit. May her legacy continue to inspire us in our pursuit of excellence in research, education, and patient care.

With deepest sympathy,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Vice President for Health Sciences and
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University at Buffalo