UAlbany Biology mourns the passing of Dr. Jon W. Jacklet
The Department of Biological Sciences mourns the passing of Dr. Jon W. Jacklet, a distinguished neuroscientist whose research and four decades of service helped establish neurobiology and biological sciences at the University at Albany. At the age of 90, Jon died peacefully at home on October 23, 2025.
A Scientist Who Helped Advance Our Understanding of Neuronal Communication
Jon joined the faculty at UAlbany in 1969 after completing his Ph.D. at the University of Oregon and postdoctoral work at Caltech. For close to 40 years, he established himself as a leader in cellular and molecular neuroscience using the marine mollusk Aplysia as the model organism for his studies.
Working with students and collaborators, Jon conducted studies on electrical signaling, circadian rhythms, neural plasticity, and memory. His laboratory became recognized for using Aplysia to explain the fundamental principles of how neurons encode, integrate, and transmit information. Over the years, many of his studies utilized techniques such as electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry, and molecular genetics.
One of his major scientific findings was the discovery that nitric oxide (NO) functions as a neurotransmitter. Jon was among the first to show that neurons communicate not only through direct connections, but also by releasing chemical signals that can spread and influence other surrounding cells. This work helped reveal how nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that produces NO, contributes to neural signaling and behavior.
During his career, Jon authored 69 publications that included work on circadian biology, how nerve cells generate electrical signals, and the ways neurons communicate. Much of his research was published in leading journals such as The Journal of Neuroscience, Science, Journal of Neurophysiology, European Journal of Neuroscience, and American Zoologist/Integrative and Comparative Biology. He authored the chapter “Nitric Oxide as a Neuronal Messenger,” of which helped establish nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the nervous system. Jon also pursued interests beyond neuroscience including publishing observations of unusual wildlife behavior on bald eagles.
Throughout his career, Jon received numerous National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Health (NIH), and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) research grants, published influential papers, and served as editor of the volume Neuronal and Cellular Oscillators (1989). Jon was an active participant in the international neuroscience community. He attended conferences around the world and collaborated on research projects in Mexico City, Tahiti, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and Calgary. Jon’s research program attracted graduate students from around the world of whom launched successful scientific and academic careers.
As a professor and three-term chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, Jon’s research and administrative insight also played a key role in shaping UAlbany’s life sciences. He helped advance the development of UAlbany’s interdepartmental functional genomics research programs which would eventually be housed in the new Life Sciences Research Building (LSRB). Jon recognized early on that the discoveries made by scientists in the LSRB would be crucial for the “next step” after genome sequencing in determining the function of protein-encoding genes.
While best known for his scientific discoveries, Jon pursued life outside the classroom and lab as well. He was an avid Nordic skier, a highly competitive basketball player who made weekly court appearances with UAlbany faculty and staff, a tennis player, and a licensed pilot.
Jon was also an unforgettable part of the Biology Department community. He played in the Biology Ice Hockey Club of which was comprised of faculty, graduate students, spouses, and sometimes kids—knocking more than a few of his opponents over in his determined pursuit of a goal. He also joined faculty and graduate students on countless winter trips to Dippikill, and for many years, was part of the beloved Video Nite crew that consisted of a motley gathering of members of the Biology Department. While he was not always the loudest presence in the room, he certainly had a presence. Jon was a giant in his scientific accomplishments, yet he was always ready for a quiet laugh and the simple camaraderie that made our department feel like a family.
A Legacy Lives On
We offer our deepest condolences to Jon’s family—His wife Alice, children Alan, Ben, and Jessica, a sister and brother, grandchildren and a great-grandson, and many extended family members. Jon’s scientific and academic legacy lives on through the students, colleagues, collaborators he worked with, the discoveries he made, and the lasting influence of his research on neuronal signaling and neuroscience. The University at Albany, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences honor his exceptional contributions to the field and to the University community. Through Jon’s teaching, research, and mentorship, he inspired generations of UAlbany students and many others.
Click on link for additional information on Jon: Jon Jacklet Obituary - Portland, OR.
An article featuring Jon: albany.edu/updates/1999/2-10/index.html
Information on Jon’s publications: Jon W. Jacklet's research works | Albany State University and other places