Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Toby Eisenstein, a beloved member of our faculty. Beyond her acumen as a scientist and researcher, Dr. Eisenstein was a mentor, a cherished colleague, an inspiring teacher and a caring and generous member of our Temple family. Her legacy is one of relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering support for her students and peers.
Her academic journey began at Wellesley College and continued at Bryn Mawr College, where she earned her PhD in 1969. Her temporary position at Temple in that same year turned into a lifelong commitment, as she balanced the demands of a rigorous academic career with the joy of her family life.
Throughout her 50 years at Temple, Dr. Eisenstein’s research spanned from developing vaccines for typhoid fever and Legionnaires’ disease to exploring the intersection of IV drug use and HIV. Her work in understanding the effects of opioids on the immune system led to the establishment of the Center for Substance Abuse Research, which she co-directed with distinction. Her contributions to our school and her field were celebrated in a portrait unveiling in October 2019.
As our community grieves her loss, contributions in her memory may be made to the Toby K. Eisenstein Endowed Fund the Center for Substance Abuse Research, helping to continue her exceptional work fostering discoveries that improve lives and advance our understanding of addiction.
With deepest sympathy,
Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Ellen Unterwald, PhD Chair and Professor, Department of Neural Sciences Professor, Center for Substance Abuse Research
