In memory of Paul Churchill, PhD

Paul Churchill, PhD, age 58, died from complications of emphysema on July 15, 1999.

Dr. Churchill

A faculty member at Wayne State University for 27 years, Dr. Churchill was internationally recognized for his research in renal physiology and renal pharmacology. Specifically, he was interested in renin secretion and provided the first direct evidence for the “macula densa theory” which was advanced in the mid 1960s. More recently, he had perfected techniques for renal transplantation in rats, which provided new findings regarding the genetic basis for hypertension and the genetics of kidney dysfunction.

Dr. Churchill presented his research findings all over the world, and received substantial and continuous research funding from the National Insitutes of Health and the National Science Foundation throughout his career.

Dr. Churchill joined WSU’s department of physiology as an assistant professor in 1972, then advanced to associate professor in 1975 and full professor in 1980. A winner of the WSU President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and a two-time winner of the prestigious Lamp Award for Teaching Excellence, Dr. Churchill was consistently described by undergraduate and graduate students as “a superb mentor and teacher.”

Born in Michigan, Dr. Churchill received a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Michigan and taught there before joining WSU.

“Dr. Churchill’s approach to all of his endeavors--be it teaching physiology, research on renal hypertension, coordinating the medical physiology program or flying his airplane--was always to be the very best,” said Dr. Joseph Dunbar, chair of physiology and long-time colleague. “His contributions to the department of physiology and the Wayne State School of Medicine will be supremely missed.”