Looking back at his career, Bob Grossfeld , professor of biology, never expected to find himself in North Carolina. But after no trivial stint of 33 years at N.C . State, Grossfeld will be leaving an impact that extends from research, generosity and inspiring students’ futures.

After giving up on his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, Grossfeld decided to pursue his academic interests at Stanford University. After graduating, he decided to take a position at a university instead of a research institution, which led to his successful teaching career.

Grossfeld never intended to come to N.C. State, let alone North Carolina. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was not able to get a position at the University of Texas. While looking in the Journal of Science, Grossfeld came across an advertisement for a position at N.C. State and decided to go for it. What really attracted him to the area was the Research Triangle Park.

Once Grossfeld started working for the University as a biology professor, he only intended to stay for a few years.

Hamish Patel and Kareem Clark, two biochemistry alumni, had the pleasure of getting to know Grossfeld throughout their years at N.C. State. Patel began working with Grossfeld through a summer program before his freshman year, and Clark began neuroscience research with Grossfeld during his sophomore year. However, Grossfeld gave them more than the opportunity to research.

“He always gave me good advice both in science and practical knowledge,” Patel said. “He was sort of like my mom and dad away from home.”

“He’s really a perfect research mentor,” Clark said. “He would let us have a lot of control over our own projects but was still there to guide us over the way.”

According to Patel, Grossfeld always kept him engaged in school. Patel said he would always go to Grossfeld for course selections, or any big decision.

“I always knew I didn’t want to upset Grossfeld in research or in school,” Patel said.

However, according to Patel, Grossfeld was also good to talk to if something went wrong, because he always highlighted the positives to any situation.

Another current student who has built a strong relationship with Grossfeld is Hitesh Shivalingappa, a senior in biochemistry. According to Shivalingappa, Grossfeld inspires his research students to be proactive.

“He can be very intimidating, but he uses it to our betterment,” Shivalingappa said.

However, Grossfeld didn’t only push Shivalingappa to excel in the lab, but in every facet of life.

“Any big decision I make, I run by Dr. Grossfeld,” Shivalingappa said.

Patel, Clark and Shivalingappa all continue to keep in touch with Grossfeld actively and plan to do so in the future.

Aside from teaching and doing research, Grossfeld has also spent significant time with the Park Scholarship program. He began mentoring Park Scholars eight years ago and is currently a faculty scholar with the class of 2012, according to Grossfeld.

According to Eva Feucht, Director of the Park Scholarship, Grossfeld has mentored more than 20 Park Scholars who majored in the life sciences.

“Students really value their relationship with Dr. Grossfeld, because he takes the time to get to know them,” Feucht said.

The Park program initially invited Grossfeld to become involved because he was well-respected in his field, but also because he involved in the progress of undergraduate students and believed in challenging them, according to Feucht.

One of Grossfeld’s most important contributions to the Park Scholars program, according to Feucht, is the time he’s committed.

“Whenever he’s asked to assist a student, he always says yes and takes the time to build a relationship with the student,” Feucht said.

This is Grossfeld’s last year as a fulltime professor at the University. However, he intends to live his retirement with the phrase retired, not tired in mind. 

After his wife inspired him, Grossfeld began to record all of his plans for retirement. He now has three pages worth of things to do, first of which is to clean and organize his home. Nevertheless, he does not intend to leave N.C. State completely. According to Grossfeld, he plans to keep working with Park Scholars and hopes to guide students in their careers and personal lives. He wants to help students learn about themselves, to optimize their potential.