On Friday, Sept. 14, Edward O. Keith, Ph.D., associate professor at the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and at Oceanographic Center died from carcinoid cancer. He was 60 years old, and is survived by his wife, mother, and two younger sisters.
In a statement released by the Office of Public Affairs, Don Rosenblum, Ph.D., dean of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, said that Keith had a profound impact on many people and much of the NSU community, and that he will be greatly missed.
Keith joined the faculty of NSU in 1986. He taught different undergraduate science courses, including biology, clinical chemistry, and numerous courses in marine biology including biology and ecology of the manatee and coastal biology of Southeast Florida.
In addition to teaching at the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, Keith taught graduate level courses at NSU’s Oceanographic Center, where he conducted research on Florida wildlife such as the manatees, dolphins and whales.
According to Keith’s profile on the Oceanographic Center webpage, he conducted research in Veracruz, Mexico regarding the Antillean manatee, studied cetaceans in the Philippines, and studied the Amazonian manatee in Ecuador.
His passing leaves the marine biology majors to reassess their schedules as the future of a number of their courses remains in question.
Kayla Shape, , junior marine biology major, said, “The loss of Professor Keith affects a number of courses I looked forward to taking with him, for he was the only one who taught those classes.”
Keith’s interests and research created opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the academic field of marine biology.
A viewing was held on Sept. 20 at Boyd Panciera in Hollywood, Fla., and a memorial service on Sept. 21, at the Words of Fellowship Church in North Miami Beach.
