UW 'slug lady' dies at age 85

Ingrith Deyrup-Olsen's work in slug physiology earned her an appearance on The David Letterman Show. Deyrup-Olsen, known to many as "the slug lady," changed the way scientists think about slug mucus.

On Sunday, Deyrup-Olsen, a UW zoology professor emeritus and women studies advocate, died from cancer at 85.

"She was in love with teaching science and in love with doing science," said Thomas Daniel, chair of the UW biology department. "She was a contagiously positive and optimistic person."

A New Jersey native, Deyrup-Olsen earned a bachelor's degree from Barnard College and a doctorate in physiology from Columbia University before coming to the UW in 1964.

In 1990, Deyrup-Olsen became professor emeritus and continued research in the physiology of mucus formation, focusing on the banana slug. Using slugs as a model system, she discovered the unique biochemical and cellular mechanisms that regulate mucus secretion, said Daniel.

Deyrup-Olsen's discoveries are used to study diseases related to mucus production, such as cystic fibrosis, said Daniel.

She has authored more than 50 articles in the 50 years since receiving her doctorate in 1944. Her contributions have been recognized with Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships. In 1992, she received the highest honor from her alma mater -- the Barnard Medal of Distinction.

She was committed to improving science education at the K-12 level, founding the UW Master of Science for Biology Teachers Program.

Deyrup-Olsen was also one of the early founders of the women studies program, Daniel said.

In 1988, she received the UW Distinguished Teaching Award.

Daniel said Deyrup-Olsen made her colleagues proud when she appeared on The David Lettermen Show.

"She held her own, despite his attempts to tease her," said Daniel. "Nobody could make her look bad."