As a graduate student, Joan studied science as a vehicle for further examining the biological bases of brain and behavior. She earned a one-of-a-kind multidisciplinary Ph.D. in neuroanatomy and psychology from Tulane University, pioneering as one of the few women in an emerging scientific field. Joan engaged in basic research in neuroscience for the next 25 years, primarily as a professor at Tufts University Schools of Medicine, working across medical, dental, and veterinary schools. In 1997, eager to embrace her next frontier, Joan retired as chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology and became professor emerita. Having rigorously pursued the processes of self-examination, self-reflection, and self-actualization, Joan designed a coaching consultancy, Beyond-Success LLC, to assist others in mining these processes. Utilizing the scientific principles explored over 30-plus years, Joan helped individuals move more deeply into their life experiences, using these principles as metaphors and tools to expand consciousness. She articulated her philosophy in a series of books. In lieu of flowers or gifts, and in recognition of the pay-it-forward principle that was a foundation of Joan's life and work, the family requests that people pay kindness forward to perhaps three others and/or provide a donation to the Joan King scholarship at Colorado State University. The Scholarship will support exceptional students with an interest in biomedical science and engineering.
As a graduate student, Joan studied science as a vehicle for further examining the biological bases of brain and behavior. She earned a one-of-a-kind multidisciplinary Ph.D. in neuroanatomy and psychology from Tulane University, pioneering as one of the few women in an emerging scientific field. Joan engaged in basic research in neuroscience for the next 25 years, primarily as a professor at Tufts University Schools of Medicine, working across medical, dental, and veterinary schools. In 1997, eager to embrace her next frontier, Joan retired as chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology and became professor emerita. Having rigorously pursued the processes of self-examination, self-reflection, and self-actualization, Joan designed a coaching consultancy, Beyond-Success LLC, to assist others in mining these processes. Utilizing the scientific principles explored over 30-plus years, Joan helped individuals move more deeply into their life experiences, using these principles as metaphors and tools to expand consciousness. She articulated her philosophy in a series of books. In lieu of flowers or gifts, and in recognition of the pay-it-forward principle that was a foundation of Joan's life and work, the family requests that people pay kindness forward to perhaps three others and/or provide a donation to the Joan King scholarship at Colorado State University. The Scholarship will support exceptional students with an interest in biomedical science and engineering.