June 23 2018: NARDONE, Roland M.

Roland Mario Nardone, Ph.D. (Age 90)
Professor of Emeritus, Catholic University of America

On Wednesday, June 20, 2018, Roland M. Nardone of Silver Spring, MD passed peacefully away.  Son of the late Jerry Nardone and the late Tina (Constantina) Nardone, he is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lillian H. Nardone; father of Maureen Wheatley (Dan), Delia Mychajluk (Nick), Maryann Hamilton (Michael), Mark Nardone (Katie); grandfather of Marilyn Lyons (Zach), Steven Nardone (Shanna), Devin Leisher (Rebecca), Maria Mychajluk, Patrick Wheatley, Justin Mychajluk, Amanda Nardone, Lisa Nardone; great-grandfather of Erin Lyons, Nate Lyons, Jack Leisher, Roen Nardone; brother of the late Paul Nardone, brother of Ann Mariani, and Robert Nardone.

Dr. Nardone graduated from high school when he was 15, was the first in his family to go to college, and he got his Ph.D. at the age of 23. He had an enormous passion for teaching, starting his research and teaching career at St. Francis College and St. Louis University, then as a Professor of Biology at Catholic University of America (CUA) for over 50 years.  His focus of research covered many areas, from In Vitro toxicology model systems to the effect of microwave radiation on gene expression.  His passion for teaching eventually led to the development of 2 organizations that provided hands-on training for research scientists, the “Center for Advanced Training in Cell and Molecular Biology” at CUA and “Bio-Trac Training Programs” of which is still going strong today, having provided training to over 17,000 scientists.

Still professionally productive throughout his remaining days, Dr. Nardone focused on the importance of reproducible scientific results, raising awareness to the scientific community regarding the need for cell line authentication and mycoplasma detection as well as the effects of cellular cross contamination.  At a workshop on Reproducibility at the NIH on September 30, 2015, Dr. Nardone was introduced by Dr. Larry Tabak, Principal Deputy Director, National Institutes of Health, as follows: “Dr. Roland Nardone, a pioneer who sounded the alarm in 2005 …” On behalf of the entire community, thank you.” On January 25, 2016 a zero tolerance policy for NIH grants became effective. (NOT-OD-16-01).

The rock, the foundation for our family, Roland passed on his great work ethics to his children, and grandchildren, and will be taught to his great grandchildren. He believed in the foundation of a good education and his love of teaching is now part of the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD (Valet Parking) Thursday, June 28, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial Service will be held at Collins Funeral Home, on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Catholic University Scholarship Fund for aspiring scientists.