Dear guests and friends, good morning，

My name is Laura Yan, my husband, Jay Wang and I have long been close neighbors and friends of the Guoyan and Liangwu family. Guoyan’s sudden passing has left us stunned, shocked, sorrowful, and heartbroken. In our eyes, Guoyan was an optimist who deeply cared for her family and friends, and who was passionately devoted to her work in scientific research.

Her deep love and devotion to her family are well known to all. She was fully involved in raising her two children from infancy through adulthood, helping and supporting their academic growth and many extracurricular activities, cooking delicious and healthy food from scratch; indeed, it could be said that she accomplished everything other mothers manage to do, and even those things they do not. The most impressive thing was that in in their earlier years when Liangwu was tied up with both his studies and work， Guoyan would head out on her own, bags in tow, taking their two children out to see the world. Whether driving hours to a state park for camping and river rafting, flying to Cancun for a seaside getaway, or embarking on a long-distance to New Orleans for a cruise trip, she consistently encouraged her children to step out, make new friends, and broaden their horizons. As the children have grown up, Guoyan’s reflections convey a deep sense of joy and gratitude. Sophia chose to attend WUSTL because of its proximity to home; Jason got a good job offer after graduation and enjoys his work. Moreover, both children communicate with parents regularly, fostering an even closer bond within the family. I want to tell Jason and Sophia, No matter how the world changes, Mom's love for you will never change. She hopes that you live your lives well—safely, healthily, and happily!

More than ten years ago, Guoyan and I made a pact. Back then, both of our families had two children, all roughly the same age. I was still working at WUSTL at that time, and we would often chat whenever we

亲爱的各位来宾各位朋友大家好！
我叫枝子，我和先生王健是国燕良武家的老邻居老朋友。国燕突然的离开让我们错愕震惊悲伤又心痛。在我们眼中国燕是一位关爱家人朋友, 热爱科研事业的乐观者。
她对家庭的热爱和付出众人皆知。培养一双儿女从小到大她都是全程参与，学业安排，兴趣爱好，健康饮食，可以说别的妈妈们做到的和做不到的她都做到了。印象深刻的是良武早些年又读书又工作脱不开身，她就自己大包小包带着俩孩子出门看世界，无论是开车去州立公园露营漂流，还是飞去坎昆海滨度假，或是长途跋涉新奥尔良的邮轮之旅，她都鼓励孩子们走出去多交朋友开阔眼界。孩子们长大了国燕的分享让人体会到她的欣慰和喜悦，女儿念大学就想去华大因为离家近，儿子大学毕业后找到了喜爱的工作，孩子们也愿意常常和他们交流，家庭关系更亲密了。我想对Jason and Sophia讲，无论世界怎样改变，妈妈对你们的爱永远不会改变，她希望你们好好地生活，平安健康幸福快乐！
记得十多年前国燕和我有个约定，那时我们俩家都有两个孩子，都一般大，那时我还在华大上班，坐metrolink 遇到时聊天，有一天国燕和我说孩子们多一些好，咱们两家约着都生老三吧。我说好呀，一言为定哟。后来我们家有了个小老三，但国燕越来越忙，失约了。我在想如果国燕也有个小老三，会不会像我一样放下工作为了孩子忙得脚不粘地儿，为家庭忙碌却快乐着？
我先生王健最近一次见到国燕是他们夫妇4/25周六来教会打球健身，国燕打球很投入，拼抢积极，之后短暂聊天时还提到想暑假回国看望年迈父母，哪知道不到两周她就撒手西去，如果能有一丝丝的察觉，我们一定会拼尽全力把她留下来，如果能有一次机会，我一定会告诉她不要自己背负重担，因为她有一位大能又慈爱的天父，愿意保守赐福她，和她一同走人生高山低谷。
最后请允许我用真诚的祷告结束，我们在天上的阿爸父，亲爱的主耶稣，我们多希望能了解国燕的伤痛分担她的重担，但是你都知道国燕的光景，了解她经历的痛苦，求你怜悯保守她的灵魂在你的乐园得安息，因为你说凡劳苦担重担的人，你会赐她安息，也求你赐下安慰和平安给良武，Jason and Sophia, 和家人们，让他们擦干眼泪抬起头看到你的荣光，知道有你的爱与他们同在，他们就不孤单，愿主坚固家人的心，赐给他们面对未来的力量。听我们的祷告，奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求，阿们。谢谢大家！

I sent a cold email to Dr. Guoyan Zhao last February 5, 2021, to try to explore doing research work in her lab as part of my PhD work. Just a random email. Six hours later, she replied enthusiastically. She had just begun working on single-cell transcriptomics for Parkinson disease, maybe a little over a year then. I had no idea what single-cell transcriptomics was during that initial correspondence, no experience on R, but fast-forward a few months later, I already flew in to St. Louis from the Philippines to start working on human postmortem data on Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. The first impression I had of her was that she was very motherly. In my culture we have this concept of a "tita." The closest concept I could think of is like an auntie or a godmother. She was exactly that to me. She was there to guide me, to mentor me, to nourish me, never overbearing, never micromanaging. I was always excited meeting with her. It was just a breath of fresh air having a PI who was so gentle, so kind, so pleasant. We were productive with that homely atmosphere.  During that time the COVID pandemic was still at its homestretch, so we slowly started seeing each other physically to eat and hang out. I would never forget how she said to the lab that she had hoped to support us not just in science but also in life. Before I left, she even organized a farewell party for me, leaving me with a gift with lovely messages. When I got back home to the Philippines, our original plan was for me to go back to the lab as a postdoc. We kept in touch. So hearing her being missing from halfway across the world, I was beyond shocked and was earnestly praying she would be found. Out of desperation, I even asked my angel about her. I felt a calmness envelop me, as if assuring me she is okay. I will forever cherish my time with her. She has become such a big part of my life even though we were just together for such a short time. She really is a gem, and I will forever have her in my heart.

In memory of Guoyan Zhao,

There's no good way to say it, so I'll just say it plainly: I lost a friend, and the world got a little smaller.

Guoyan and I went back twenty-eight years. We met in 1998 as classmates at Washington University in St. Louis — two students a long way from home, learning how to be scientists. A few years later, we ended up in the same lab, Dr. Gary Stormo's, she a brand-new postdoc and me a graduate student still struggling to get my PhD. 

People will tell you Guoyan was a brilliant scientist, and she was. But that's not what I'll remember. What I'll remember is how little she ever made of it. She carried her accomplishments so lightly you'd have thought they belonged to somebody else. If you complimented her, she'd find a way to hand the credit off to a student, or a collaborator, or plain good luck, and then she'd turn the conversation right back around to you. 

And she was stubborn — in the best, quietest way. When something was hard, she didn't sigh or make a production of it. She just put her head down and kept at it, day after day, until the thing finally gave up before she did. 

If she could read any of this, she'd be mortified. She'd wave the whole thing off and ask me why I wasn't writing about somebody more deserving. There's an old Chinese saying for a person like her — 桃李不言，下自成蹊 — "The peach and plum trees say nothing, yet a path is worn to them all the same." She never once asked for the path. People wore it to her anyway, because of who she was.

That's the friend I'll miss. For twenty-eight years she was simply there — steady, kind, good company, someone whose good opinion I quietly worked to keep, and whose kindness I took for granted the way you only can with people you're sure will always be around. 

Goodbye, Guoyan. Thank you for the twenty-eight years, for the quiet example, and for letting me start out beside you. Rest in peace and may your memories be a blessing! 

Kai

I am heartbroken to learn of Guoyan's passing.

It was a privilege to know and work with her. Guoyan was a kind, thoughtful, and dedicated colleague who touched the lives of many around her. I will always cherish the memories and conversations we shared.

My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and loved ones. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Guoyan was the best mentor I have ever had. Her kindness, generosity, wisdom, and belief in others will continue to inspire me throughout my life and career. Thank you, Guoyan, for everything you gave so freely. Your legacy lives on in the many lives you touched, and your memory will forever remain in our hearts. May you rest in peace.

One of my earliest memories of Guoyan was her response to my email applying for a postdoctoral position in her lab in August 2021: “Would you still be interested in joining my lab?” That simple question changed the course of my career and life. 
At the time, I had no experience in computer programming or genomic data analysis, having spent my entire academic journey in wet-lab research. Yet Guoyan saw potential in me, welcomed me into her lab with enthusiasm, and patiently mentored me through an entirely new field. She never made me feel inadequate for asking questions or sharing ideas. Her lab was a place where curiosity was encouraged, and every scientific discussion was met with respect and kindness.
Beyond science, Guoyan cared deeply about the people she mentored. When I lost my father shortly after joining her lab and was unable to travel back to Nigeria to pay my final respects, she offered comfort and support during a very difficult time. She celebrated my successes, encouraging me to pursue fellowship opportunities and supported me throughout the process that led to my receiving the AARF Fellowship in 2023. When my wife and I welcomed our son in 2024, she shared in our joy and showed kindness to my family in ways I will never forget.
Guoyan became much more than a mentor—she became a trusted friend. She taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of continuing forward after setbacks. She believed in me even when I doubted myself and was unwavering in her support of my career and personal growth.
Her passing was especially difficult to comprehend because we had spoken few hrs before the tragedy. We still had many plans, many conversations, and aspirations for the future. Yet I am profoundly grateful for the time I had with her and for the impact she made on my life.
Guoyan's kindness, generosity, wisdom, and belief in others will continue to inspire me throughout my life and career. May you rest in peace.

Wish there is only joyfulness in heaven! Rest in peace, Guoyan!

国燕同学是华盛顿大学遗传系与神经学系的双聘教授。她长期默默耕耘，在阿尔茨海默病与基因网络研究方面颇有建树，是生物信息学与疾病遗传学领域一颗冉冉升起的新星。

四年前，我应邀去华盛顿大学基因组所做报告，才与她重新有了较深入的接触。那时我了解到，她师从 Gary Stormo 教授，在华大一待就是三十年。她三十年如一日，一边做母亲，一边做科学，踏实、坚韧，却始终乐在其中。也正是从那时起，在同学情谊之外，我对她更多了几分敬仰。

去年，在她遗传系主任、92 级北大校友王艇教授的邀请下，我为她写了终身教职推荐信。五个月前，得知她顺利获得 tenure，我由衷为她高兴，并通过微信向她祝贺。我们最后一次相聚，是今年二月在 Zoom 上。那一次，我们满怀热情地畅谈 AI 与药物研发，也曾希望邀请她来 UAB 讲学。

没想到，那竟成了最后一次交流。

国燕骤然离去，令人难以接受。我怀念的，不仅是她的学术成果，更是她那份淡定温暖、坚定而乐观的力量。追悼会这周，我不巧要带小女去 Minneapolis 做ICHI大会论文报告，故无法到现场亲自送别。希望这份追思文章，可以把我对国燕、对她同事和家人的哀悼与敬意带到现场。

愿国燕安息。她留下的学术成果与人生光彩，会继续留在我们心中。也愿我和她的友谊和学术链接，能够通过下一代的生物信息小学者，香火兴旺，继续传承！

希望总是用温柔和笑容温暖大家的你，一路走好，再无烦忧

I first met you at an online meeting in September 2021. Nervously, I introduced my background and asked whether you would accept me as a visiting researcher in the Zhao Lab. You welcomed me warmly without hesitation.
In March 2022, I moved to St. Louis with my family and began a new chapter of life. As we were also preparing for the birth of our child, it was an especially busy and challenging time, yet you were always supportive and attentive, offering help whenever we needed it.
Although I was not a professional in informatics, you kindly guided me from the very beginning. During my two years in the Zhao Lab, I was able to complete a manuscript draft and submit it for publication. After receiving major revisions, we worked on the revised manuscript together, and until as recently as May 5, 2026, we were in frequent communication on Slack.
For this reason, I was completely unable to believe the news of your passing when I first heard it. I still struggle to understand how someone so diligent, talented, and accomplished as a researcher—someone who was also so compassionate and always willing to help others—could meet such an end. Even now, it is difficult to accept this reality, though I know I must.
When I left St. Louis, you told me, “You can always come back.” Although it is no longer possible to see you in person, your spirit lives on in the members of the Zhao Lab. I am certain that a new chapter of the Zhao Lab will continue to grow from the foundation you built.
May you rest in peace.

As I sat down to write, an old campus song came to mind—The Brother Sleeping in the Bunk Above Me. As it played on repeat, long-buried memories began to surface, bringing back countless moments from the seven years we spent as classmates and roommates.
I remembered our first Mid-Autumn Festival at Peking University. Ten of us gathered at the Pavilion by Weiming Lake, gazing at the moon and thinking of home. I remembered our trip to Shidu, the laughter we shared among the mountains and rivers, and the long hours spent conducting experiments in the Biology Building. I remembered wandering across campus identifying plants, our fieldwork on the beaches of Rizhao, watching the sunrise atop Mount Tai, and searching for giant pandas in the Qinling Mountains.
I remembered the meditation sessions, card games, and endless laughter in our dormitory. I remembered running together to earn attendance credits for morning exercises, learning tennis, swimming, and dancing side by side. I remembered the nights before exams, studying under the dim lights of the hallway in a last-minute effort to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
One memory still makes me smile. Another friend and I had missed too many classes because of fieldwork, so before an exam we borrowed your notes and begged you to highlight the key points for us. Somehow, despite your diligence and careful preparation, we ended up scoring higher than you did. Looking back now, I imagine you must have found it both frustrating and amusing.
I also remember the day we went together to obtain our visas, and then said goodbye as our paths diverged—one heading to the American Midwest, another to the Northeast. From Yanyuan to a foreign land, from sharing classrooms and dorm rooms to living far apart, nearly thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Those seven years of friendship and companionship had been tucked away in the depths of memory. Yet once the floodgates opened, the recollections came rushing back, impossible

提笔写字的时候，脑海里忽然响起了那首当年的校园歌曲《睡在我上铺的兄弟》。在单曲循环的旋律中，尘封多年的记忆被一点点唤醒，我们同窗同屋七年的点点滴滴，也随之涌上心头。

想起初到燕园时的第一个中秋节，我们班十个人相聚未名湖畔的校景亭，共度佳节，望月思乡；想起一起去十渡游玩，在青山碧水间留下青春的欢笑；想起在生物楼里做实验的日日夜夜；想起满校园辨认植物，去日照海边实习，去泰山看日出，去秦岭寻找大熊猫的身影。

想起宿舍里的打坐、打牌和嬉戏玩闹；想起一起跑步拿早操票，一起学网球、学游泳、学跳舞；想起考试前，我们在走廊昏黄的灯光下临阵磨枪，埋头苦读。还记得有一次，我和另一个姐妹因为野外实习缺课太多，临考前借你的笔记突击复习，还缠着你帮我们划重点。结果考试成绩竟然比一向踏实认真的你还高。如今想来，那时的你一定又无奈又好笑吧。

还想起我们一起去大使馆办理签证，而后挥手告别，各自奔赴美国的中部与东北。从燕园到异国，从同窗到天各一方，转眼已近三十年。

七年的朝夕相处，那些记忆原本深埋心底，可一旦打开闸门，便如潮水般奔涌而出，再也关不住。

在我的记忆里，你一直是我们当中最有韧劲、最能坚持，也最冰雪聪明的那一个。正因如此，我无论如何也无法相信，你竟然就这样离开了。

国燕，希望在另一个世界里，你能够找到那些曾经困扰你的问题的答案；又或者，你终于可以放下所有执念与重负，只享受宁静与安然。

而我们，会一直想念你。

想念那个在未名湖边望月的你，想念那个在实验室里专注认真的你，想念那个陪伴我们走过七年青春岁月的你。

Elegy for Guoyan
- Translated by ChatGPT from the original Chinese poem written by a classmate

I think upon our student days of old,
In Yanyuan's halls where youthful tales were told;
Our laughter oft would break your studious care,
Yet friendship's warmth was woven deeply there.

Then came the day when every path would part,
And distant journeys called each seeking heart.
Through years apart, I heard with quiet pride,
How well you labored, how your gifts would guide.

With wisdom, grace, and diligence combined,
You left enduring marks on work and mind.
A mother's love within your hands was borne,
While home and calling flourished in their turn.

How bright the road that seemed before you lay,
How fair the promise of another day;
Yet fate, unbidden, cast its shadow wide,
And cruelly stemmed the rising of your tide.

Guoyan, like a swallow on the wing,
You soared above the storms of early spring;
Who could have thought so sudden would descend,
The fatal blow that brought your flight to end?

Now darkened clouds obscure the noonday sun,
And one who journeyed far has truly gone.
The grievous tidings came with shocking force,
Though thirty years had stretched our separate course.

Your friends of youth stand silent in dismay,
Lamenting what no mortal hand can stay.
Your smile still lingers clear before the eye,
And tears unbidden gather as we sigh.

I raise a cup upon the mountain height,
And send this tribute through the fading light.
May peace enfold you, gentle, bright, and free;
May heaven grant the rest denied to thee.

Beyond the dust of this uncertain sphere,
Where sorrow fades and mortal pains disappear,
May you in Penglai's timeless gardens roam,
Among peach blossoms, finding lasting home.

I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the devastating news about Guoyan. Back in our college days, we lived on the same floor, just three doors down from each other, so we saw each other all the time. Even then, her bright, generous, and sincere nature left a wonderful and lasting impression on me.

After moving abroad, we spent years working hard in different states and lost touch. Then, two or three years ago, we reconnected thanks to a high school research paper my son was writing on biological proteins. The kindhearted Dali brought us back together, suggesting that  Guoyan  —who had achieved outstanding research in the biochemistry field—could offer some professional insights. I remember so vividly how, despite being incredibly busy and rushing to meet a major paper deadline,  Guoyan took the time to carefully read through a high-school-level paper. She wrote back a long, detailed email, full of encouragement for my son, along with thorough guidance and essential reference articles. This meant so much to my son; he was so encouraged and continued revising until it was finally published. She was truly one of those rare people who quietly and profoundly shape the lives of the younger generation.

I truly believe that throughout her kind and warm life,  Guoyan  brought a positive influence to so many people, just as she did for my son. Though she is gone, she will always live on in our hearts. I pray that  Guoyan  is now free from pain and at peace in heaven. Our deepest condolences to her family.

迟迟不肯动笔写下对国燕的思念。总想着也许不写下来，一切就还有转圜的余地。然而现在我不得不说服自己慢慢接受这个我不愿接受的事实。只希望国燕能被更多人记得，在记忆中一直活下去！
国燕是我的合作者，书面记录里并不是我的博士导师或委员会成员，但在我心里却是的。初识国燕是在八年前。那时我的研究项目止步不前，是国燕伸出援手，用她特有的经验和思路带我们冲破难关。那之后我们又有过两次合作，每一次我都受益良多。国燕是个十分热心和细心的人。当我手里有文章稿件希望得到反馈的时候，我第一个想到的就是她。我知道她会花时间认真仔细地阅读并给出建设性的意见。她既能在整体布局和行文方向上指点迷津，又能在具体用词和作图上明察秋毫。稿件有她审阅过，我心里就踏实了很多。工作之外，国燕也给了我很多支持和鼓励。每次跟她分享自己的一点小成就，她都会由衷地祝贺我，字里行间是她对晚辈的爱护。
现在想来，我很遗憾没有能和国燕交流更多。过去几年每次回到圣路易斯都恰好和她擦肩。以为来日方长，总还会再见，却突然再也没有机会。愿国燕安息，我们会把您的善意传递给更多人！

In Memory of Guoyan

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Guoyan. Though we cannot be present on June 7, our hearts are with everyone gathering to honor her life.

We will always remember Guoyan’s gentle smile, her kindness, and the quiet strength she carried into every moment. During our years together at Washington University in St. Louis, she and her husband were our closest friends. Her warmth, generosity, and willingness to help others made those years brighter and left a lasting mark on our lives.

Guoyan’s spirit lives on in the kindness she shared and the love she gave so freely.
She will always be remembered with gratitude and affection.

With heartfelt remembrance,  

Zhi & Zhongying

I have spent only 3 years with Guoyan and it seems like a decade of learning. So many memories and moments together which are keep coming back to my mind and it’s hard to stop thinking. She was a source of comfort for us in our discomforts. Countless lessons I learned from her ranging from how to be a good scientist to how to be a kind human being. 
My words can never justify my feelings. We will keep your legacy alive and will carry it with our life ahead.
May her soul rest in peace.

Thank you for your mentorship, guidance, and the opportunities you provided. Your passion for science, dedication to your work, and support for your trainees have left a lasting impact on many lives.

You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

My heart goes out to you, her family, on the loss of your wonderful mother, sister, daughter and wife. Guoyan was an amazing person, so generous with her time, her knowledge, her science and her understanding. I’ll never forget talking with her last December, at the annual reception for Women Faculty. She had just found out she had gotten tenure. She was thrilled at such a recognition after all her hard work. I myself will never forget her insights into one of our lab projects which recently grew into an active collaboration.  She always had a smile and a positive comment, asked insightful questions, and was amazingly supportive to her trainees, her colleagues, staff and really anyone she worked with. She will be sorely missed. Indeed I am missing her already and know that you are too.

I hesitated for a long time before writing this condolence, because every time I tried, my tears would stop me from finding the words.

Although I don't have any photos of us together, my memories of you are countless and will stay with me forever.

Our story began seven years ago when we first started working together. Along the way, we experienced disagreements and misunderstandings, but we also found understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Through those experiences, our connection grew deeper and more meaningful.

I still find it hard to believe that the person who so often comforted me, encouraged me, and helped me through difficult times was carrying such pain within. I cannot comprehend that someone who gave so much strength to others ultimately chose to let go.

With your passing, a part of the hope and meaning in my life has gone as well. I regret not recognizing the pain and anxiety you carried, the profound sorrow that became too heavy to bear.

I hope you are now free from all suffering and have found the peace and serenity you longed for. Rest in peace. You will forever remain in my heart and in my memories.

Thank you for being part of my life. You will never be forgotten.

赵国燕老师是一位非常优秀且令人尊敬的导师。在实验室管理方面，她始终秉持公平、公正的原则，合理分配资源，为每位成员创造良好的科研环境。她做事严谨、高效，时间管理能力很强，也正因为如此，实验室的各项工作总能有条不紊地推进。

除了科研工作，她也十分重视实验室的氛围建设。她经常组织大家聚会、出游和各种活动，让实验室不仅是工作的地方，更像一个温暖的大家庭。对于每位成员人生中的重要时刻，她都会真诚地送上祝福，并邀请大家一起分享喜悦、共同庆祝。她对学生和同事的关心发自内心，也让每个人都感受到温暖和尊重。

2025年实验室才刚刚逐渐步入正轨，却2026年发生了这样的事情，真的令人无比痛心。直到今天，我依然无法接受这样的结果。我始终想不明白，为什么这样一位善良、正直、认真负责的人，会遭遇如此不公的命运。我也完全无法接受死亡的原因，我根本就不相信这么积极向上的人会自杀。甚至前一天我们还在讨论以后审稿邀请和lab后续发稿可以采取什么方式更容易发表文章。我对于stl所有警局的表现只有深深地失望，也对发生的一切表示无尽的悲愤。但一切都已经成为事实，再多的情绪悲痛也改变不了什么，也只能怀着无尽的怀念与感激追忆她曾经带给我们的帮助和温暖。

谨以此文缅怀赵国燕老师，愿逝者安息。

Dr. Guoyan Zhao was an exceptional mentor, leader, and person.

She led her laboratory with professionalism, fairness, and integrity. She was thoughtful in allocating resources, treated everyone equitably, and created an environment where people could focus on their work and grow as scientists. Her organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively kept the lab running smoothly and helped guide it steadily forward.

Beyond her role as a scientist and mentor, she cared deeply about the people around her. She regularly organized lab gatherings and activities that brought everyone closer together and fostered a strong sense of community. She celebrated the important milestones in her students’ and colleagues’ lives, inviting everyone to share in those moments and offering her sincere congratulations and support. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

In 2025, just as the lab was beginning to gain momentum and establish itself, this tragedy occurred. It is heartbreaking, and even now I still struggle to accept it. I find it difficult to understand why someone so kind, dedicated, and deserving would be taken from us so soon.

What has happened cannot be changed, but her impact on our lives will endure. We will remember not only her achievements and leadership, but also her warmth, compassion, and the sense of belonging she created for those around her.

In loving memory of Dr. Guoyan Zhao.

May she rest in peace.

This morning, I cut chives from the back patio — chives Guoyan gave me. The first lily of the year bloomed in our garden this morning too, also from Guoyan. This week, rereading our emails and texts and replaying our shared moments, my grief and confusion have slowly given way to warmth and gratitude.

Our first long conversation was on the way to a Program Retreat during my first month in St. Louis. We had both just opened our labs in the same department, and on that ride — during which we got lost together without cell signal — we bonded over shared excitement and shared questions. We talked on the phone through COVID, and over occasional lunches, about research, lab management, and family. After she left our department and we are in different buildings, we talked far less. I wish we kept on having lunches together.

My first impression of Guoyan was genuine admiration. She transitioned from experimental to computational science, from developmental biology to virology to neuroscience. Each leap required her to start from scratch. She not only succeeded each time, but made original contributions in every field. That took not just intelligence, but extraordinary determination, perseverance, and courage.

Whenever I think of Guoyan, I think of her warmth. She not only gave me garden flowers and chives, but also helped recruit my earliest lab members by recommending candidates and helping me advertise. She recommended my very first undergraduate, a student who innovated with everything he touched.

Her career had been flourishing. When I saw her in early April, I congratulated her on her many recent successes. Her sudden passing has been a shock I cannot fully make sense of. Perhaps not everything can be understood in this world. What we can do is to remember her beauty and share that fragrance, to remember her kindness and carry that warmth forward.

Guoyan, may you rest in peace! To her family — may your grief gradually transform into cherished memories.

今早，我在后院里剪了韭菜。那韭菜，是国燕给我的。今年的第一朵百合花，也在今晨绽放。百合，同样是国燕给我的。

这周，我重温了和国燕往来的所有电子邮件和短信，在脑海里一遍遍回放与她相处的点点滴滴，给本来的悲伤和不解，添加了温暖和感恩。

我第一次与国燕长聊，是在我到圣路易斯，刚刚开设实验室的第一个月。国燕让我搭她的车，一起去参加一个Program Retreat。 我们几乎同时起步，又在同一个系，因此有共同的新鲜感和困惑。路上还一起迷了路 -- 俩人都没有手机信号，就这样边找路边聊天，一路聊了很久，也聊得很开心。此后，新冠期间我们在电话里聊，她还在我们系的时候也会时不时一起吃午饭，聊各自的研究，聊怎么管理实验室，聊我们的家庭。她离开我们系之后，联系少了很多。如今想来，深感遗憾。

我对国燕的第一印象，是打心底里的佩服。她从实验科学转到计算科学，从发育生物学到病毒学，再到神经学，每一次跨领域的转型，都意味着重新出发，从头学起。她不仅成功完成了每一次转变，还在每一个领域都有独特的创新，这背后，不仅仅需要聪明才智，更需要非凡的决心、毅力、与勇气。

一想到国燕，我就想到她的热情。她不光给了我花园里的花和韭菜，还我实验室没什么人的时候，特别热心的帮我招募人才。她在圣路易斯时间长，熟人多。她帮我推荐本科生、技术员，帮我打博士后的广告，告诉我怎样招硕士生。我实验室的第一个本科生—一名接触什么事物都会有新点子，都会想着怎么创新的学生—就是国燕推荐来的。

最近几年，国燕硕果累累，我从心底为她高兴，四月初在路上偶遇，我还祝贺她最近好事连连。所以她的骤然离去，让我深感震惊，难以释怀。我想，世间许多事情，并不是都能想得明白的。我们所能做的，是记住她的美好，将那份芬芳传递给更多的人；是记住她的热情，将那份温暖分享给更多的人。

国燕，愿你安息！国燕的家人，愿你们有一天，能将心中的哀伤，化作对她美好的回忆。

我们只有慢慢接受您离开的现实，好久都不敢相信，痛苦自然不言而喻，直到很远的未来。我们都是在圣路易斯度过了漫长岁月的人，几乎来后都沒有离开过。我们应该都欣赏美国中西部的美好，很多人也像您那样友好、善良和乐于助人。不敢奢望与您是北大的同学，但是我们确实是WashU夜大学的同班，那是学习怎么写科学基金的课。以此可见您很年轻就在准备，那是至少20年以前。随后的聚会我们又见过，您总是那么轻柔、笑容永在和眼里充满智慧。我也为您随后的发展与成就高兴和自豪，确实是您告诉我的什么是Dry lab, 让我知道那是不碰溶液的实验室。国燕，您走的太早了，也不知道我们是否在美国的人数太少，如果当时有理解您的人与您交心长谈就好了。愿您能安息，望亲属能节哀顺便。

Guoyan was a long time friend and colleague of mine - we first met working on Pathogen Discovery and grew closer over the trials and tribulations of being research track faculty at WashU. Guoyan's grit and determination to launch her own lab and become tenured faculty at WashU which she finally achieved in 2025 was truly commendable and I was in awe of all her hard work and perseverance! We spent many zoom calls together talking about work and life during the COVID pandemic; I will always remember her calm and friendly manner and how proud she was of her children. We also got to hang out together with former Virgin lab colleagues, some shown here, for beer or lunch! Rest in Peace Guoyan!

It is with deep sadness that my heart still does not want to believe that you are not longer with us. Guoyan's kindness, generosity, and support had a profound impact on my life and career.

She was not only an exceptional scientist and mentor, but also a truly compassionate person who cared deeply about the people around her. When I moved from Pakistan to the United States, she helped me through every step of that transition with patience, encouragement, and understanding. Starting a new life in a different country was challenging, but her guidance and support made me feel welcomed and valued.

She always believed in me, encouraged my growth, and supported me both professionally and personally. Her kindness, humility, and dedication inspired everyone who had the privilege of working with her. I will always be grateful for her mentorship, her generosity, and the confidence she instilled in me.

Her legacy will continue through the countless students, researchers, and colleagues whose lives she touched. She will be remembered not only for her scientific contributions, but also for her warmth, humanity, and unwavering support for others.

I will deeply miss her and will always carry her guidance and kindness with me...

My heart goes out to Leon and the family members of Dr. Guoyan Zhao. I hope God helps you with the energy to heal and grieve in this difficult time. Take care!

国燕，亲爱的朋友！希望你在天上能够听见。

不管何时何地，你那浅浅的、暖暖的微笑，总是那么清晰、生动地浮现在眼前，让人恍惚觉得，这一切就是一场梦。

和你之间，是一种纯粹而自然的交往。说不上经常见面，却足够了解彼此。

无论是那些年一起在“小星星”陪孩子学唱歌、练习主持；还是你来我家、我去你家的几次相聚；无论是曾经一起带着孩子滑雪、漂流、宿营的欢乐时光；还是在村里散步时的偶遇和驻足畅聊，亦或一次随意的小串门……你总是那么认真地倾听别人讲话，也总是无比真诚地分享自己的感受。

你的学业与事业上的优秀，让我由衷敬佩。我相信你绝对是好教授、好老板；你为家庭、为孩子操心劳神、竭尽全力的付出，更让我深深感动。我知道你绝对是好妻子、好妈妈！

我会永远记得你的真诚、善良、优秀与内敛。

如果人生真的有“如果”，我愿意继续和你分享家庭生活里的酸甜苦辣；我愿意在未来的空巢岁月里，彼此多多联系、陪伴，让生活不那么孤单；我愿意用我的热闹，去交换你的沉稳；我要好好地继续和你做朋友……

国燕，我们会永远怀念你。你虽然短暂的一生，却已经足够闪亮。安息吧，亲爱的朋友！

我们怀着无比沉痛的心情，送别我们亲爱的同学、挚友。

国燕的一生用温柔与善良照亮了身边的每一个人。她待人真诚，总是以最柔软的心去包容他人；她乐于助人，在我们最需要的时候，总能看到她默默伸出的手。她的笑容温暖而安静，像春日的阳光。她也是一个无比努力的人。无论面对学习还是生活的挑战，她都从不轻言放弃，用自己的坚持与努力，总是一步一步踏实前行。

我们曾一起走过那些平凡却珍贵的日子，同一北大毕业， 同一华大毕业，在同一个华大实验室做同一项目，同一年成为母亲，孩子们上同一中文学校，一起欢笑，一起为未来憧憬。那些点滴，如今成为最深刻的记忆，永远珍藏在我们的心中。

她的离去，让我们无比痛心；但她的善良、温柔和努力，会一直留会一直留在我们心里。亲爱的朋友，愿你安息。 愿你在另一个世界，无忧无惧，依然温柔明亮。
       王青&何松

过去的两个星期就像一场梦一样，至今不敢相信发生的一切。您是如此地善良，温和，热心助人。2012年的春天，我们的女儿即将出生，您在实验室里组织了baby shower一起给我们买了婴儿推车，如今我们的女儿即将初中毕业，您亲手选的婴儿推车还在我们的地下室，却已物是人非。因为在同一个领域，经常在seminar和symposium遇见您，不久前在您tenure的荣誉报告会上，您和家人笑颜如花。我们大家在群里，在LinkedIn上恭喜您！如今却已天人永隔！愿您安息！

OBITUARY

Guoyan Zhao

December 25, 1972 – May 15, 2026

Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel

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