Elizabeth Woldemussie

Dr. Elizabeth Woldemussie was born on December 18, 1946 to Ato Woldemussie Yehdego and Woizero Mizan Ekebu in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As a child, Elizabeth had an unmatched curiosity and passion for learning. Upon graduation from high school she received the Haile Selassie Prize for young talented scholars after receiving the highest score on the national exam. She completed her undergraduate studies at Addis Ababa University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. After working in the scientific community for several years she immigrated to the United States matriculating at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where she completed a PhD in Pharmacology. She continued her scientific studies with a fellowship at the National Health Institute in Bethesda, Maryland and a post-doctoral fellowship at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan where she expanded her studies to include Ophthalmology.
She established an illustrious career in pharmacology with extensive experience and expertise in preclinical research. Her focus was in pharmacology, ophthalmology (glaucoma, retinal protection, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye), neuroscience and inflammation. She devoted her life to this work as a scientist at Pfizer Biopharmaceutical Company and Allergan Pharmaceuticals. She then developed Woldemussie Consulting to continue to share her expertise in ophthalmology research.
She was widely recognized and respected for her work receiving thirteen patents and publishing 43 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Additionally, she received eight internal Author of The Year awards in patent, basic and applied sciences.
Overshadowed by her academic brilliance and accomplishments was her kind, generous and caring spirit. Instilled with a strong sense of social responsibility, she consistently mentored young adults encouraging and inspiring them to recognize their potential for achievement through her time, energy and resources.
Elizabeth was devoted to her family and friends whom she adored immensely. In particular she shared a special and close bond with her sisters and childhood friends. She was highly regarded for her strength, integrity, loyalty, kindness, courage, positive energy, enthusiasm for knowledge, insatiable curiosity, love and a warm heart.
Elizabeth passed away on January 6, 2019 at the age of 73 after a prolonged illness. She is survived by her sisters, nieces, nephews and countless friends who will miss her deeply.