In memoriam: Jeffrey Cameron

Jeffrey Cameron, an associate professor of biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder, passed away on September 25 at the age of 43 in Colorado. He made seminal contributions to understanding microbe cellular processes.

Jeffrey Cameron

Born on February 16, 1981, in La Grange, Illinois, Cameron studied plant science at Montana State University and Washington University, where he obtained his Ph.D. and completed his postdoctoral training.

In 2015, he opened his lab at CU Boulder, which focused on understanding the physiology, cell biology and biochemistry of the photosynthetic microbe, cyanobacteria. His research on cellular signaling and metabolic regulation in cyanobacteria aimed to harness their carbon-fixing mechanisms to combat climate change, leading to innovations like bacteria-grown biomaterials that reduce emissions from traditional cement production. In 2016, Cameron cofounded the biotech company Prometheus Materials, which uses microalgae to create zero-carbon bio-cement and bio-concrete.

Cameron was also a mentor and educator. Many of his students and colleagues remember him for his brilliance as well as his kindness. He was deeply committed to fostering a collaborative research environment and was known for his generosity in sharing knowledge.

Outside of the lab, Cameron enjoyed cooking, hiking and mushroom hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Michelle Cameron, and four children, Noelle Rose, Jasper Carlyle, Evette Blue and Margot Love. He is also survived by his parents, three siblings and three grandparents.