Lui was an analytical chemist by training, receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard in 1966. Soon thereafter, she started working with people in the field of earth sciences, and constantly broke new ground in her work over the next 40 years. Many eminent scientists have spoken glowingly of her and her work. Suffice it to say here that she became the leading light in the world in determining barium contents in seawater during the GEOSECS program, and more recently, pioneered and established the use of lithium isotopes in earth sciences. She always tackled important problems and was involved in collaborative efforts with a remarkable variety of people. A leading chemical oceanographer wrote “She gets the best out of her collaborators and generously shares the credit. She is also an outstanding educator and teacher.” Along with a few exceptional persons, Lui served as a beacon, setting the standard for what women can achieve in the academic field.

She accompanied her husband, Lai, to Baton Rouge in 1971, when he was appointed to a faculty position in the Physics Department at LSU. After two decades of “benign neglect”, the university decided to do the right thing and appoint her to a full position in the Department of Geology & Geophysics. Many had the opportunity to read what the most important geochemists in the world had to say about her and her work. Karl Turekian of Yale and John Edmond of MIT, are legendary names in earth sciences; National Academy of Sciences Members and winners of numerous national and international awards. They unhesitatingly supported her candidature for a professorial position, with fulsome praise. It is good that recognition comes late, rather than never. Lui was awarded the Charles L. Jones Professorship and also the LSU Distinguished Faculty Award, over the last few years. These awards recognized her multifarious contributions to geochemistry, with highly cited papers in all the leading international journals. Even on weekends, Lui patiently worked in the laboratory she painstakingly established and kept funded. However, these long hours did not detract from her contributions on the home front. She was obviously inspirational to her children, for their career paths are in fields not very different from that of their mother.

A leading oceanographer commented, “Throughout her career, Lui has been a wonderful communicator.” This applied to both the scientific and administrative fields. We shall miss her gentle, but persuasive voice, steering us down the correct path on so many matters. Always stressing quality, scientific rigor, and doing the right thing. She was truly kind hearted and always tried to find the positive aspects in others. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Clara, Emory, Lai, and to Scott, on this unbearable loss, and in so tragic a fashion. Listening to sublime music, may bring some solace to the heart and mind. For this occasion, the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto number 21, and Bach’s “Ave Maria” fit the mould. Lui, you will be sorely missed, both as a friend and as a colleague. May your soul rest in peace.

-Dr. Ajoy Baksi, LSU Professor of Geology

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