Phoebe S Leboy

Phoebe Starfield Leboy, professor emerita of biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, scientist and tireless advocate for women in science and engineering, passed away on June 16, 2012, after a four-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was 75. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Leboy took her BA with honors in 1957 at Swarthmore in zoology, and her PhD in 1962 at Bryn Mawr in biochemistry. She joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1966, one of only a few women among many men. She was promoted to associate professor with tenure three years later, and to the rank of professor in 1976. For 21 years she remained the only tenured woman in the School of Dental Medicine. She served as chair of the department from 1992-95. Dr. Leboy is survived by her husband, Dr. Neal Nathanson, associate dean, Global Health Programs, Penn Medicine, her three step-children, Kate, John, and Daniel and six grandchildren, Leah and Claire Ochroch, Alexander, Sophia, Olivia and Jack Nathanson.