In Memoriam: Carol S. Pierce, PhD

She began her professional career at the University at Buffalo, joining the faculty in 1979 and continuing to teach parasitology as a part-time professor until 2015.

Pierce was appointed to the Department of Medical Technology as a clinical instructor in 1979 and then promoted to assistant professor in 1980.  

She chaired the department from 1983 to 1990, succeeding the founding chair, John V. Fopeano, PhD, when he retired. She served as director of graduate studies until 1993. The department’s name was changed to the Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences in September 2000.

During her tenure at UB, she was the department chair, medical technology program director, director of graduate studies and taught both undergraduate and graduate medical technology courses in parasitology, microbiology and immunology.

“Carol always had the department and students as her top priority,” says LuAnn M. Kaite, the department’s assistant to the chair.

Kaite notes that Pierce often assumed teaching and administrative duties such as director of graduate studies when other faculty members retired or otherwise left the university.

During her career, she also taught at Daemen College, Erie County Community College and Monroe County Community College.

Pierce was born March 4, 1938, in Lockport and graduated from Lockport High School in 1956.

She graduated from the University of Mount Union in Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in science. She earned a master’s degree in biological science from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in science from UB. She earned a doctoral degree in microbiology and immunology from UB.

Surviving is her brother, Glenn Shaffer; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister, Nancy Wilson; and brother, Carl Shaffer.