Deceased April 20, 2013
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In Memory
I first met Autumn almost 25 years ago in our first chemistry lab. Unfortunately for her, we were assigned to share lab equipment. Within the next hour, I managed to set fire to her experiment, which subsequently blew up. She was absolutely gracious about it, and just laughed. We stayed lab partners through that class and (both being pre-med) many classes thereafter.
At Amherst, she majored in neuroscience and women’s and gender studies. These longstanding loves culminated in her spectacular career, specializing in the particular neurological issues of women.
After Amherst, she went on to medical school at Boston University, earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience and did her neurology residency, chief residency and epilepsy fellowship at Harvard (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) in Boston. While on faculty there, she was recruited to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she became chief of women’s neurology and an assistant professor of neurology, obstetrics and gynecology. She was selected by the American Academy of Neurology as one of the 10 most promising neurologists in the country and was labeled a “rising star” by her peers.
She worked tirelessly and was well-loved by her patients, colleagues and students. She was a compassionate doctor, a talented researcher, a brilliant educator and an inspirational role model. Above all, she was exceedingly humble. The countless friends she made along the way will always remember her humor, generosity, encouragement and kindness.
Outside of work, she loved to cook and run, but most of all she loved being with her beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Cianna.
Autumn became suddenly ill at home and died in the hospital April 20, 2013. She leaves behind Cianna; husband Bob; stepdaughter Kimberly and stepson Michael; parents Lois and Bill; best friend and cousin Sharon; and other extended family.
My dearest friend, you will be sorely missed.
Karen Kiang ’92