Toby K. Eisenstein, Ph.D., President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of the American Society for Microbiology (EPAASM) from 1983-85, passed away on August 4, 2024, at the age of 81.

Toby grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and graduated from Girls High. She went on to attend Wellesley College for her undergraduate studies and earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Bryn Mawr College. In 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Eisenstein. Last year, they joyfully celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary. Toby was a devoted mother to three children and a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren, with whom she shared a deep and abiding bond.

Toby began her distinguished career in 1969 as an instructor in Immunology at the Temple University School of Medicine (now the Lewis Katz School of Medicine). She rose to the rank of Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in 1984. In 2021, she became a professor in the newly established Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation at the Katz School of Medicine. Her pioneering research spanned several important areas, including cellular immunity to Salmonella infections, mechanisms of Legionella infection, and efforts toward developing a Group B Streptococcus vaccine.

In 1989, she began a productive collaboration with Dr. Martin Adler, Professor of Pharmacology at Temple, to study the effects of morphine and other opioids on the immune system. This work led to the establishment of the Center for Substance Abuse Research at Katz School of Medicine, where she served as co-director. Toby’s research excellence was underscored by the fact that her laboratory was continuously funded since 1975.

Toby made significant contributions to the American Society for Microbiology at both the national and branch levels. She was a dedicated and active member of the national society for 57 years and was recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. She also took on key leadership roles, serving as Chair of the Branch Organization Committee during the years from 1996-2001.  During this time, she was instrumental in establishing policies and procedures to support the Branches and to improve the relationship between ASM and the Branches. She worked to educate the national society about the contributions of the Branches and how they are an integral part of the mission of ASM.

Toby was the Chair of the ASM’s Membership Board from 2003-2012. During her tenure, she continued to work to strengthen and support the Branches. She also developed programs to enhance support for students and postdocs – overseeing the increase in number of Student Chapters, the establishment of the first postdoc Chapter, provision of funding for the Chapters, and inclusion of programs for students at ASM Microbe (Student Lounge, informal mentoring). She was a big supporter of the ASM Archives program (she appointed Dr.  James A Poupard and allotted time and resources to the Archives); oversaw activities for the Minority Committee (including Minority Mixer); oversaw career activities (such as job board, career sessions), and worked with Mimi Goldschmidt to establish the Career Development Grants for Postdoctoral Women program. 

Her impact on the EPAASM was profound, and her leadership helped shape the direction of the branch. She was the Branch President from 1983-1985. She was instrumental in establishing the Student Chapter, fostering community and promoting the training of graduate students.

Toby was a superb scientist, an award-winning teacher of medical students and graduate students, and an insightful researcher. In addition to her accomplishments as a scientist and educator, Toby was an enthusiastic patron of the arts, enriching her community and family with her passion. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a brilliant scientist, an award-winning teacher, and a supportive mentor. She was deeply admired for her generosity, intellect, and friendship.

Toby Eisenstein will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know her, particularly her friends and colleagues at the Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of ASM.