Michael A Steinmetz Ph.D

Michael A. Steinmetz Ph.D

November 9, 1951 - July 30, 2022

Michael A. Steinmetz Ph.D passed away suddenly on July 30, 2022. Born November 9, 1951, he was the son of the late James R. Steinmetz Sr. and Catherine E. (Gould) Steinmetz. He is survived by Susan Steinmetz, his beloved wife of 48 years, and his beloved daughter Sarah Steinmetz Heisey and her husband, Christopher. Michael is also survived by his siblings James R. Steinmetz, Jr., Richard J. Steinmetz, Joseph E. Steinmetz, Daniel P. Steinmetz, and JoAnne M. Steinmetz Gilliam.

Michael dedicated his life to science. He graduated from the University of Michigan, earning a degree in Zoology with a minor in Biological Chemistry. He went on to Michigan State University where he completed a master’s degree in Biological Sciences and a doctorate in Physiology.

After earning his Ph.D., Michael moved to Baltimore and completed postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Vernon Mountcastle at the Johns Hopkins University Medical School. Michael stayed on as a member of the faculty in the Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins, where he taught and directed the medical school neuroscience curriculum and conducted landmark research in the role of the brain in vision. In 1994, he helped establish the Johns Hopkins Zanvyl Krieger Mind-Brain Institute.

Michael moved to the National Institutes of Health in 2003 where he worked in the Center for Scientific Review. He then went on to direct the Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Visual Processing Program at the National Eye Institute. His current position was Director of Extramural Science Programs at the NEI.

Michael and his wife Susan were married in 1973, and spent many years hiking, camping, sailing, and fishing. In 1990, Michael started to build his forever home on Sue Creek in Essex, Maryland—a true labor of love. Michael’s daughter Sarah was born in 1991 and the family enjoyed spending their days on Sue Creek watching the boats go by, swimming, fishing, and boating. Michael was an avid scuba diver, had many scuba diving certifications and even became a PADI certified instructor. Michael also enjoyed skiing, traveling, was a wicked Euchre player, and was a handyman of all trades.

Friends may call at the family owned Bruzdzinski Funeral Home, 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, on Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at 12:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SEVA Foundation. The SEVA Foundation works to restore sight and provide sustainable eye care to impoverished areas.

Donations can be made at:
https://www.seva.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=gifts