Shyhmin Huang

Madison, WI - Shyhmin Huang, age 55, passed away on November 21, 2015 at UW Hospital. Shyhmin was born on April 22, 1960 in Taichung, Taiwan, where he was raised by a loving and strong family. He came to Madison in 1988 to pursue a doctorate degree, where he also met his wife, HuiChuan (Jennifer) Lai. Shyhmin and HuiChuan were from the same hometown in Taiwan, and actually lived within walking distance of each other. However, they met for the first time at a choral rehearsal hosted by the UW-Madison Chinese Student Association.

Shyhmin earned his Ph.D. in Biomolecular Chemistry and then worked as a cancer researcher at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for almost 20 years. He was a member of the Department of Human Oncology and a prolific scientific writer publishing over 100 abstracts, papers and book chapters. The very first paper published by Shyhmin in 1999 in the journal Cancer Research made a significant impact in oncology and molecular targeting with over 500 subsequent citations from authors around the world in cancer research. He was deeply respected by his research colleagues and will be missed for his high quality work and gentle personality.

Shyhmin was also a cancer survivor, first diagnosed in 1996 shortly after the birth of his second daughter. He lived every day with the sequelae from his cancer and treatments involving the throat and neck, losing much of his physical strength and ability to eat by mouth. Despite this, he continued as a devoted scientist and a wonderfully goofy and loving father. Shyhmin's family (daughters especially) will always remember him saying, "Everyone only has 24 hours", for he believed strongly in hard work, perseverance, and never losing sight of one's passions. He was truly a lifelong learner, both in and outside of science. Shyhmin was an avid photographer, spent most summer nights gardening, and became a master Chinese chef without being able to taste the food he was cooking. He adored classical music and woke up the Huang household every morning with a random selection from his extensive classical CD collection resonating from the surround sound system. He never ceased to bring color and vibrancy to the lives of his family and those around him.

Shyhmin is survived by his wife, HuiChuan; his two daughters, Alice and Leslie; his parents; and his three sisters.

Friends may join the family for a funeral service at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 4pm. A reception and gathering time will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dr. Paul Harari at following address:

Department of Human Oncology
UW School of Medicine and Public Health
600 Highland Ave K4/336

Please make checks out to UW Foundation with Shyhmin Huang written in the memo.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434