ISU faculty and staff in the biochemistry department were at a loss for words when their close friend and colleague, James Olsen, died this weekend. Olsen, 76, joined the ISU faculty in 1975 and was a distinguished professor in biochemistry. Professor of Biochemistry Marit Nilsen-Hamilton said she is saddened by the recent loss. “Jim was a wonderful friend and was always willing to help when you needed it,” she said. “I can’t think of a better colleague.” Nilsen-Hamilton, who came to the department in 1982, met Olsen when he was chairman of the biochemistry department. “He chaired for 10 years and was just an extremely accomplished individual, while at the same time, known worldwide,” Nilsen-Hamilton said. “He was not only a good researcher but an excellent teacher. We will miss him very much as a person and member of [the] department.” Olsen had degrees in both chemistry and physics, as well as a doctorate in biochemistry from Harvard. He traveled the world extensively, visited universities and authored or co-authored nearly 400 publications. While teaching biochemistry at Iowa State, Olsen also focused on researching vitamin A. This research led to the formation of a beta carotene and the discovery of a vitamin A compound found in the human body. Desiree Gunning, a colleague of Olsen’s since 1978, said she also is saddened by his death. “When you know someone for that long, you learn about their character, personality and qualities,” said Gunning, teaching-lab coordinator in biochemistry. “Everything about this man was great – a great mind, a great person and above all, a great guy to work for and to work with.” Arun Barua, scientist in biochemistry, co-authored research with Olsen, and said he had worldwide experience and had served on several committees that provided information about Vitamin A. Barua said he knew Olsen for 20 years and he was an amazing scientist. “He knows so much, not only on Vitamin A, but in any science whether it’s zoology, biology or botany,” Barua said. “He’d sit and talk to you, listen and always welcome you in. He loved talking about science to anyone.” Barua said his students have remarked that Olsen was one of the finest teachers they have ever met. They said he always explained things in a way they could understand. “It’s a great loss not only to the department, but the whole scientific community around the world,” Barua said. “His loss will be felt by everyone.”