The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) mourns the loss of Nancy Totah, associate professor of chemistry, who recently passed away. A member of the Syracuse faculty since 2001, Totah was recognized for her contributions to organic chemistry research, her dedication to teaching and mentorship and her service to the University community.

Totah held affiliations in biochemistry, biotechnology and the BioInspired Institute at the University. She earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Yale University and a B.S. in biological sciences from California Polytechnic State University. Following her doctoral studies, she was a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University, where she worked on the synthesis of tetracycline.

Throughout her career, Totah focused her research on organic synthesis, developing methods for building complex molecules from simpler starting materials. She was particularly known for her work in the total synthesis of biologically active natural products, research that contributed to scientific understanding of compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Colleagues often noted her commitment to creating syntheses that were both efficient and elegant.

In addition to her research, Totah was a dedicated teacher and mentor. She taught courses including Organic Chemistry I and Introduction to Chemical Research and mentored undergraduate researchers in her laboratory. She also advised chemistry majors, coordinated the Degree with Distinction in Chemistry program and directed the department's Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, which supports doctoral students pursuing advanced study in chemistry.

Her commitment to student success and excellence in teaching earned University-wide recognition. For her contributions in the classroom, she received Syracuse University's James K. Duah-Agyeman Award for Outstanding Faculty in 2012.

Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Totah played an active role in service to the department, college and University, serving on numerous committees throughout her tenure. She also contributed to the broader scientific community by chairing fellowship review panels for the National Institutes of Health.

Colleagues and former students remember Totah for her dedication to science, her thoughtful mentorship and her lasting impact on the Department of Chemistry.

A cat lover and avid gardener, she is survived by her sister, Elizabeth.