

Dr. Mark A. Batzer, Boyd Professor and Mary Lou Applewhite Professor of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at East Jefferson Hospital, with his wife and friends by his side.
Dr. Batzer was internationally recognized for his pioneering work in genomics and molecular evolution. As founder and director of the Batzer Laboratory at LSU, his research significantly advanced understanding of mobile DNA elements and their role in human evolution and disease. His contributions reshaped the field and influenced generations of researchers worldwide.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Batzer trained and inspired countless undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. He was deeply committed to fostering curiosity, rigor, and integrity in science, and he took great pride in the accomplishments of his trainees.
Dr. Batzer was married for 35 years to Dr. Pamela Richard, a pediatrician in Mandeville, Louisiana, who was his partner in life and steadfast supporter throughout his career. He was the only child of Marie and Douglas Batzer of Michigan, to whom he remained deeply connected throughout his life.
Throughout his career, Dr. Batzer received numerous honors and distinctions, reflecting both his scholarly impact and his leadership within the scientific community. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for his generosity, enthusiasm, and unwavering support of colleagues and students alike.
Dr. Batzer’s legacy lives on through his groundbreaking research, the many scientists he mentored, and the enduring impact of his work at Louisiana State University and beyond. He will be deeply missed.
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