USF postdoc, cancer researcher killed on her bicycle

Posted Sep 27, 2010 by Lindsay Peterson

Updated Sep 27, 2010 at 12:20 PM

Kayoko Ishizuka was one of the “best and brightest” students at the University of South Florida, said USF College of Medicine dean Stephen Klasko.

She came from Japan to study science in the United States, landing at USF after getting a doctorate in biochemistry at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She was a dedicated cancer researcher.

But she loved bicycling, too.

She was killed early Saturday morning while biking home after a long night in the molecular science labs.

She was going south in the bike lane on Bruce B. Downs when an SUV hit her from behind – then left the scene.

Medics arrived about 2 a.m. but could not revive her.

Ishizuka, known as Kay to her colleagues, was researching the genetic basis of cancer.

Said Klasko in an email: “She dedicated her life to finding answers to difficult health problems on a molecular basis.  My most sincere condolences go out to her family, fellow students, teachers and everyone who would have been helped by the great research this wonderful scientist was accomplishing.”

Sheriff’s deputies found the vehicle that hit her, a 1997 Ford Explorer, which had been abandonded. But they’re still looking for the driver.

The chair of the Department of Molecular Medicine, Robert Deschenes, is making funeral and memorial arrangements.

The sheriff’s office is asking that anyone with information call (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.