Diane Wick has been a part of the HudsonAlpha community for over 15 years, driven by a desire to support vital research on brain health and neurodegenerative disease

Diane Wick has been a dedicated supporter of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology from the beginning, even before the institute built its flagship building at 601 Genome Way.

Diane’s daughter and son-in-law both worked at HudsonAlpha Co-Founder Jim Hudson’s company, Research Genetics, from 1994 until it was sold. After Mr. Hudson sold Research Genetics, Diane learned of his plans to start HudsonAlpha, a nonprofit research institute that would combine scientific research, STEM education, and entrepreneurship in the life sciences to accelerate important discoveries.

Once HudsonAlpha opened, Diane started attending Dr. Neil Lamb’s Biotech 101 and 201 classes. Inspired by what she learned from the Biotech series, Diane believes that if she had had access to similar STEM education, she might have chosen to study science in school.

In her retirement, Diane is interested in giving back in ways that reflect the blessings she has had in life. While there are many places worthy of financial support, HudsonAlpha stands out to Diane because of the scientific progress driven by the Institute’s scientists.

Keep reading to learn more about why Diane is so passionate about HudsonAlpha and what drives her to support HudsonAlpha’s brain health research. 

HudsonAlpha Foundation: What inspired you to become a donor to HudsonAlpha, and to keep supporting HudsonAlpha for all these years?

Diane Wick:  After attending Biotech 101 and 201, I wanted to become a small part of the mission here. Now, HudsonAlpha is one of the main causes I support financially.

HAF: One of the areas you’ve directed your donations towards is HudsonAlpha’s research on brain health, through our Memory & Mobility (M&M) program. Do you have a personal connection to that work?

DW: My mother and sister both passed from Alzheimer’s disease, and I saw firsthand how difficult it is for both the patient and caregiver. By supporting this research, I hope future generations won’t be impacted by this disease as my family has been.

HAF: Your support provides crucial resources for our research in neurodegenerative diseases. What are you most excited for your gifts to impact?

DW: I hope my gifts will continue to advance research on these diseases. So much has already been discovered at HudsonAlpha and is still being discovered. Because HudsonAlpha has a history of success, I will continue to give.

HudsonAlpha’s Memory & Mobility (M&M) program, which supports neurodegenerative disease research, is entirely funded by philanthropic support.

If you’re interested in learning how you can support HudsonAlpha and the M&M program, please contact Elizabeth Herrin, Senior Director of Advancement, at eherrin@hudsonalpha.org or 256.327.0442.