The Scientist in Residence Program honors Dr. Judah Folkman, a 1950 Bexley High School graduate, who is recognized for his achievements in the field of cancer research and the specialty of anti-angiogenesis. This medical concept is one which Folkman fathered and continued to research throughout his life. Dr. Folkman passed away on January 14, 2008.

In 1999, local residents Lee Hess and Irene Levine provided seed money to establish an endowment fund to help bring working scientists into Bexley High School classrooms. The endowment received additional support from the Class of 1950 as they celebrated their 50-year reunion. The fund provides annual financial support to sponsor at least one scientist for a residency program and helps pay for equipment to enhance science programs. The fund provides classroom experiences which allow high school students to explore the exciting opportunities for learning that are available in the sciences. The hands-on experiences also enable students to learn about different careers in the realm of science.

Several exciting residency programs have included Bexley alumni, as well as other prestigious scientists. The first participants, in 2000, were
Drs. Louis A. Cannon ('76) and Lawrence R. Krakoff ('55). They were followed by Thomas A. Boster, Ph.D, P.E. ('54) in the fall of 2000, Drs. Marvin Stone ('55) and Earl Metz ('53) in April 2001, Herbert S. Bresler, Ph.D. in December 2001, Dr. Daniel R. Masys ('67) and Dr. William B. Salt ('65) in spring 2003, Louis R. Iverson, Ph.D. in February 2004, Leslie Coney, Ph.D. ('76) in spring 2005 and Dr. Andrew H. Glassman ('70), Dr. William Kumler ('86), Dr. Karl W. Kumler ('59), Dr. Paul A. Liefeld ('71), Dr. Michael Williard ('78), and Stephen G. Williard ('83) in November 2005.

For the 2007-2008 residency program, the topic was "CSI Bexley" as several experts brought their experiences in the field of crime scene investigation to Bexley High School science classes. Bexley residents Sylvia Acton and Dennis Graul talked with students about their years of service with the Columbus Police Department. Ms. Acton worked for 25 years in the Police Crime Lab as a Criminalist or forensic scientist; Mr. Graul is a detective who has worked in such areas as gang units and cold case homicide, and is now with the Terrorist & Early Warning Group. A third guest was Deputy Steve Fickenworth of the Franklin County Sheriff Department, who spoke with classes about his field of accident investigation and reconstruction.

The endowment fund continues to provide for the Scientist in Residence Program. Any individual who would like to support the program may donate directly to the fund by contacting the Foundation office
(614-338-2093).