Jakob Harm Waterborg, Ph.D. (1948-2026) was a longtime member of the University of Missouri-Kansas City faculty. His research and teaching influenced generations of students and advanced the field of biochemistry.

Waterborg joined UMKC as a faculty member in 1988 and spent more than 25 years teaching and conducting research before retiring in 2014. Even after retirement, he remained deeply engaged with the university as an Associate Professor Emeritus in the UMKC Emeritus College.

"As a faculty member, Jakob was an exceptional mentor to his students and a team player with the faculty," said Theodore White, Ph.D., division director of biological and biomedical systems and Marion Merrell Dow Endowed Professor. "His attitude was always positive. As an emeritus faculty, Jakob was deeply involved, working with the Emeritus College to the benefit of junior faculty. I will miss his devotion to UMKC and its faculty and his optimism in moving science forward."

A respected scientist, Waterborg devoted his career to understanding how DNA is packaged and regulated within cells. His research was widely recognized within the scientific community, contributing important insights to the study of gene regulation and cellular function.

An avid reader, photographer and volunteer, Waterborg also invested his time in organizations that supported literacy, youth development and neighborhood engagement. These organizations include Lead to Read KC and Bel Air Heights HOA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Jakob Harm Waterborg Early Career Faculty Award.