Samuel McFadden Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease Research Fund

Please join in honoring the memory and spirit of Samuel "Sam" McFadden. Your gift will support training of future scientists dedicated to aging and Alzheimer's research.

The Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment honors their esteemed employee, Sam McFadden, with the creation of this research fund. Since 2014, Sam fought a brain tumor, combating it with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Sam was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor) in June 2023. Sam’s commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and unwavering support for training the next generation of scientists will be honored through this fund to support graduate students focusing on aging and Alzheimer’s research.

Sam received his Master of Science (MS) degree in Biology in 2015 from Illinois State University. He started at SIU School of Medicine on March 16, 2015, in Dr. Andrzej Bartke’s lab as a Researcher I. Sam worked there until joining the Hascup Labs on January 1, 2019, as a Researcher II and was then promoted to Research Laboratory Coordinator. Sam was a valued member of the Hascup Labs’ team and a wonderful individual beyond his dedication to SIU.

Sam's interest in Dr. Erin Hascup's research began during his initial months as an employee with SIU School of Medicine: “I was very interested in [Dr. Hascup's] research as my grandfather passed due to Alzheimer’s. I always enjoyed research because whenever I would look at my results, I knew I was probably the only person or one of the few that knew that piece of information. I loved that I had a sense that I was advancing our knowledge of the disease every day I went to work.”

“I also loved the team aspect of science, that people with different backgrounds can be part of a cohesive team just based on the love of a subject and understanding of the scientific process. I felt that SIU encouraged that type of environment.”