Steven Galen Gilbert

Dr. Steven Galen Gilbert died in Seattle WA on July 15, 2025, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his science, his creativity, and his commitment to his values.

Steve was born in Lorain Ohio February 15, 1951, and grew up near Binghamton NY where he attended Chenango Valley High School (class of 1969). He earned an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Toxicology (1986) from University of Rochester. He worked for several years in Ottawa Canada where he conducted research on the toxic effects of heavy metals and chemicals on developing organisms. Later, he held a faculty position at the University of Washington in the School of Public Health where he continued his research and taught courses in toxicology. He worked briefly in the private sector where he managed contract research organizations.

He has always been committed to trying to improve the world and the lives of all people. Steve was very active in a variety non-profit organization, serving on the Board of Directors of several. Since college days he had been involved in nuclear disarmament, social justice, and environmental protection causes. He started his own non-profit, Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, through which he created the interactive website: ‘Toxipedia’ a free resource on the science, history, ethics, and prevention of the exposure to toxic chemicals.

Steve loved communicating scientific information and principles of toxicology through to the public through presentations, lectures, and Science Café. He published the book ‘A Small Dose of Toxicology’, which presents information about toxicology for a lay audience. He made the book available in an electronic version for free to increase access to the information.

Mostly he loved people and getting people together. Steve’s interests were as numerous as the friends he collected pursuing those interests: cycling, skiing, fast cars, classic cars, wine making and tasting, pool, art, reading, technology, environmental protection, social justice, and science.

Steve is survived by his wife and partner of 30 years (Janice Camp), his stepdaughter Sarah Salemy (Sharam), his beloved grand-daughters Hannah, Lilah, and Mina, his mother BJ Gilbert, his brother Mert (Sue) and sister Carrie Culver (Don), six nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Hiram Gilbert. A Celebration of his life will be held in October.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to a social justice or environmental non-profit organization of your choice or to the Northwest Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Hanford Challenge, Zero Waste Washington, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, or the Association of Women in Science.

Peace