Remembering biochemist Wesley Hymer, pioneer of health research in space

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Eberly College of Science mourns the loss of Wesley Hymer, professor of biochemistry, who died May 4 at the age of 89. Over his 35 years on the faculty at Penn State, he made important contributions to the understanding of pituitary hormones and was internationally recognized for his pioneering research of living cells in space.

“Wes was a dedicated researcher and educator who was always full of energy and enthusiasm,” said Ross Hardison, professor emeritus of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State. “He had a long and productive career conducting research on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms by which pituitary hormones regulate growth and differentiation in mammalian tissues. He was the first person I heard talking about muscle loss and other negative physiological impacts of space travel and weightlessness. He ran an early, innovative research program studying these issues, including experiments conducted on space shuttle flights.”

Penn State is now known as a Space Grant institution largely thanks to Hymer, who helped develop the successful proposal that resulted in Penn State participation in NASA’s Space Grant College program in 1989. The program continues to support student research in the space sciences as well as other space-related activities.

“One of the lasting impacts of this research program was the establishment of the NASA-supported Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, which is still active today, supporting students pursuing careers in science, mathematics, engineering and technology while also providing public service education,” Hardison said.

Read the full story on psu.edu.

Author Credit: Gail McCormick

Image Credit: N/A

Original Post Date: July 22, 2025