Joseph was originally from the beautiful country of Colombia. He received his bachelors of science degree in Bacteriology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Moving across the world he continued his training at The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, where he received his MSci in Immunology and then his PhD in Immunology. He then worked at San Diego before coming to Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. His lab works on aging and cancer along with other projects such as obesity and inflammation.

Joseph Lustgarten was an intelligent, funny, cheerful, and charming person. He never goes unnoticed when he entered a room because of the positive energy that flows from him. He has always been committed to his family, fellow researchers, and students. MCA graduate student Soraya Zorro Manrique said, "Seeing the best of everything was his philosophy. Even getting "no results" from our experiments was good since it could be used as a teaching experience to do better the the next time." Joseph was the Graduate Program Director at Mayo Clinic Arizona. "He immediately opened up his lab and resources so that I could learn and get the best training," says Danielle Miranda. He always made sure to set aside time for students.  "Most importantly, be happy at what you are doing," Patrick Blackburn recalls Joseph advising.

Joseph's most important contribution to this world are his three sons together with his wife Flory. He also was an active participant in the Jewish community. I want to leave you with one of my favorite quotes that I know Joseph is an example.  "To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To known even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Indeed Joseph has succeeded. Thank you Joseph for all you have done. You will always be remembered.

written by Danielle Miranda

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