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- Comings...Goings
- Ihor Masnyk Retires
Ihor Masnyk Retires
Ihor Masnyk
Ihor J. Masnyk, Ph.D., Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB), retired in December after a 46-year career at NCI. Born in Ukraine in 1930, Dr. Masnyk grew up in the midst of World War II and came to the United States as an adolescent after spending time in displaced person camps in Czechoslovakia and Germany, experiences that left him with great strength and resolve. He earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago, a task he accomplished while in the U.S. Army active duty service and later the Retired Reserve, where he earned the rank of Colonel.
In 1962, Dr. Masnyk joined NCI as a chemist in the Endocrine Evaluation Branch. His career at NCI included positions as Chief of the Planning and Analysis Branch and Director of the Extramural Research Program, Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis (DCBD); Acting Associate Director for the Office of International Affairs; and Deputy Director of the Division of Cancer Biology, Diagnosis, and Centers.
NCI Deputy Director Dr. Alan S. Rabson recalls, “Ihor was the perfect person to manage the extramural programs of DCBD. I worked with him for many years, and we had a wonderful and warm working and personal relationship. Ihor was an extremely knowledgeable chemist and yet he was able to transform himself into a skilled program manager.”
In 1995, Dr. Masnyk began working with the Radiation Effects Branch in the Division of Cancer Biology to design and implement the NCI Chornobyl research program, which was later transferred to DCEG. His chemistry background, language skills, dedication, and creative thinking as project director were instrumental in the success of this complex program, which included study populations in Ukraine and Belarus. He was adept in managing the diplomatic, financial, purchasing, and contractual aspects of the program and in serving as a translator and guide to the culture and traditions of Ukraine and Belarus.
Dr. Masnyk is an accomplished musician who plays ancient instruments and leads his church choir. He is also a master craftsman of traditional Easter eggs and a fine ballroom dancer. During his retirement, he will pursue these interests and others and spend time with friends and family. Fortunately for NCI, he will continue to consult with REB staff to guarantee the smooth completion of the Chornobyl projects.
—Maureen C. Hatch, Ph.D., and Elaine Ron, Ph.D., M.P.H.
