John Baust '65
One of the world’s leading researchers in cryobiology returned to his alma mater in early November for public presentations and informal talks about his career in cancer research. A 1965 biology graduate, Dr. John G. Baust has for decades studied strategies in low temperature biology that have led to new cancer therapies.
Baust is founder of BioLife Solutions, Inc., director of the Institute of Biomedical Technology at Binghamton University and chair of the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
He shared with Fredonia’s students, faculty and administrators how his career began as an undergraduate at SUNY Fredonia, continued through his doctoral research at the University of Alaska, and ultimately led to the development of a breakthrough prostate cancer treatment, Cryoablation, that uses cold energy to kill tissue.
During his two-day visit, Baust also served as a guest speaker in biochemistry and mammalian physiology classes.
He is currently editor-in-chief of the journal, Cell Preservation Technology, and co-editor of the recent book, “Advances in Biopreservation.”
Prior to founding BioLife Solutions, Baust was senior vice president and chief scientific officer at Cryomedical Sciences, Inc. Since 1987, he has been a biology professor at Binghamton University, and since 1994, an adjunct professor of surgery at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. From 1984 to 1987, he taught at the University of Houston, where he was also director of the Institute of Low Temperature Biology.
The company he founded, BioLife Solutions, engages in the development, manufacture and marketing of proprietary hypothermic storage and cryopreservation solutions for cells, tissues and organs. Its proprietary products are marketed to companies, laboratories and academic institutions.
