Joe was an incredible mentor who saw potential in his students and created opportunities for them to develop the knowledge, experience and confidence needed to succeed. He supported our professional growth while also encouraging adventure, taking us on cross-country trips to research experiences and conferences, with scenic stops and national parks along the way.
He and Judy welcomed us into their home for Sunday dinners and invited us to join them when their son’s band was playing locally, making sure we had a sense of community. His guidance and personal investment in his students left an enduring impact on many that will never be forgotten. I personally will always be grateful for Joe’s mentorship. He inspired me to pursue a career in science and academia, a path I have truly loved.
Joe, Judy and Kellous Price at Multnomah Falls
Joe somewhere in Wisconsin
Joe and me and the U of Wisconsin Madison lab group
Hello to Joe’s family! I have met most of you, but it has been a while. My name is Sarah Kane, and Joe was my mentor for a Master’s program at Texas State. Attached is a picture of us from that time. Joe led a fulfilled life, but I also know that his passing brings sadness and grief. I personally find it difficult to believe one of my life’s greatest mentors is no longer with us, but I also believe his legacy lives on through all of us.
Words cannot convey the impact Joe Koke made on my life and career. Dr. Koke taught Cell Physiology, a notoriously challenging course offered in the Texas State Biology Department. Little did I know, as a feral undergraduate experiencing their first existential crisis, that this course and Dr. Koke’s mentorship would be the catalyst for my eventual career. I thought medical school was in my future, but shadowing MDs proved boring to me. Dr. Koke asked if I had any interest in research, and I had to admit I had no idea that was even an option. I will never forget my first experiment in Joe’s lab – sitting in a dark microscope room, squealing that not only did my experiment work, but I was the first person in the world to have this new knowledge. I was hooked on research from then on.
Joe perfectly balanced hands-on mentorship with knowing when to let go and allow his students to fumble around, make mistakes, and learn from them. This is exactly how I aim to mentor my team now that I run my own research laboratory at the University of Wyoming. To say that Joe impacted my life is such an understatement. He opened my eyes to an entirely new career path and supported me throughout. He was always there to provide letters of recommendation or to just chat about life. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship. May he rest in peace.
