- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Dr. Goodrow joined the environmental diagnostics group in the Entomology Department and participated in the inaugural UC Davis/National Institute of Environmental Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Research and Training Program, an interdisciplinary program directed by Bruce Hammock, distinguished professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology. The program was formed 30 years ago.
“Marvin was proud to have worked with Donald Cram who won the Nobel Prize in 1987,” Hammock recalled. “He carried out key organic chemistry for preparation of numerous immunoassays for pesticides and other environmental contaminants. He was an enthusiastic mentor of young scientists.”
In addition to his research with the Superfund Program, Goodrow worked with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Farm Worker Health Program.
“Marvin also provided support for the synthesis of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors at the beginning of the urea project; his compounds were key for early SAR (structural-activity relationship) on sEH inhibition,” said Christophe Morisseau, a researcher in the Hammock lab.
Dr. Goodrow's family recalled that “he utilized his free time to pursue his passion as a research chemist at UC Davis, where he participated in a superfund research program.” His work was published in numerous professional journals, including the Journal of Organic Chemistry.
Born in San Fernando Valley on Sept. 27, 1930, Marvin received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Pomona College, Claremont, and a doctorate in organic chemistry from UCLA. He served as a teaching assistant in organic chemistry at UCLA and an instructor at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In 1964, he relocated to Modesto, and worked as a research chemist for Shell Development Company. In 1968 he joined the Modesto Junior College as a chemistry instructor, retiring in 1991.
Dr. Goodrow was a member of the American Chemical Society, Alpha Chi Sigma, a chemistry and engineering professional fraternity, and Phi Lambda Upsilon, a chemistry honor society.
He was the son of the late Cecil and Dorothy Goodrow, and husband of the late Virginia Goodrow. He is survived by his son and daughter, Jonathan and Elizabeth Goodrow;his brother, Richard Goodrow and numerous nieces and nephews
A funeral service was held Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Park View Cemetery, Manteca.