Cannabis Chemist, Mushroom Explorer and Mentor Leaves Ole Miss Smiling

"I always told people that I would never retire; research and teaching is a part of who I am," Ross said. "But sometimes, life reminds us to slow down."

Thankfully, the professor of pharmacognosy and research professor in the university's National Center for Natural Products Research opted to conclude his career on his own terms and be able to enjoy the life and legacy he created.

After graduating atop his pharmacy school class at Assuitt University in Egypt, Ross began his career in his native Egypt. He also taught in Ukraine when it was part of the U.S.S.R., as well as in the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan.

But a phone call with a former schoolmate and army buddy put him in touch with Mahmoud ElSohly, research professor in the National Center for Natural Products Research and professor of pharmaceutics, who told him about the university's research into medicinal plants and organisms.

"Dr. Ross was an old friend that I knew for many years prior to him working with me on the Marijuana Project around 1991," ElSohly said.

"I embraced him and it was a pleasure working with him – as my co-project director – for many years. He is an excellent, accomplished natural products chemist with a deep knowledge in structure elucidation of natural products, and it was a delight having him by my side."

Working with ElSohly, Ross developed his expertise in cannabis chemistry. He isolated and identified 24 new cannabinoids from the cannabis sativa plant and studied their effects on the brain.

Following four years with the Marijuana Project, Ross joined the natural products center when it launched in 1995 and has been there since. He studied and developed medicines from natural sources such as plants, mushrooms, blue-green algae, bacteria, microfungi, marine organisms and animal products.

"Mushrooms are my favorite because you can discover several medicinal compounds from one mushroom," Ross said.

Two of his favorite mushrooms are Pulveroboletus ravenelii, or powdery sulfur bolete, and Morchella elata, commonly known as the black morel. From these mushrooms and plants such as aloe vera, Ross discovered immune-stimulating compounds.

He also developed and patented compounds based on natural chemicals for potential cancer and infection treatment and explored plants for naturally occurring substances that might affect the brain in useful ways.

With international teams in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, India and Nigeria, Ross searched for new antibiotics and antimicrobial agents from plants.

Throughout his career, Ross has written more than 400 research articles and owns 16 patents. He shared his knowledge with worldwide audiences at conferences, which became his respite.

"I was honored to be invited by several universities around the world to lecture on my research and had the privilege of attending conferences that deepened my knowledge and passion for my field," he said.

Besides his accomplishments and dedication, he is most noted for his kindness and smile.

"From him, I learned kindness, humility and respect for others," ElSohly said. "He is a man with a big heart and much passion for others' needs."

Ikhlas Khan, NCNPR director, agrees that Ross exudes kindness.

"He was always available to assist people who sought help," Khan said. "He always found time for students and faculty and greeted everyone with a big smile."

Ross' passion and kindness were poured into his students, said Donna Strum, dean of the School of Pharmacy.

"Dr. Ross' impact on our students – here at the University of Mississippi and across the globe – is immeasurable," she said. "His door was always open, and he was always willing to provide guidance and wisdom to students and colleagues.

"His influence lives on in the countless scientists and researchers he mentored, each one a testament to his legacy of excellence in natural products."

Ross fondly looks back on more than 60 students from throughout the world he mentored while they earned master's and doctoral degrees. With a smile, he extols that his former students include professors, deans, associate professors, millionaires and CEOs.

"I always told them to work hard, be honest in their work and presentations and learn everything they can," he said. "They should be better than me and surpass me because they have had the advantage of my knowledge and experience."

But Ross is most proud of his family. He is the second oldest of six sons, and his siblings grew up to become engineers and doctors, leaving him as the lone professor.

He is thankful for his wife of 46 years, Mervat, who has a degree in business and stood next to him in the hard and easy days. His sons, Peter and Andrew, became a pharmacist and dentist, respectively. Ross has five grandsons and one granddaughter.

He is also dedicated to his community. He served North Oxford Baptist Church in several capacities, including deacon. He was involved with the Kiwanis Club for many years, where he served as president and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2011.

Because of his dedication and passion for teaching and research, Ross's sons have endowed a scholarship in their father's honor. They announced the gift Friday (Aug. 22) during a reception for their father at the university's Thad Cochran Research Center.

"Through this scholarship, we hope to create a lasting impact on the School of Pharmacy and honor the meaningful work our father dedicated himself to over the years," Peter Ross said.

The scholarship for graduate students who may face a financial burden will allow them to focus more fully on their education.

"He has always instilled in us the importance of hard work and dedication, while consistently treating others with kindness and respect," Peter said. "His genuine passion for his profession was evident in the joy he found in his work and the meaningful relationships he built with students and fellow educators."

The elder Ross is also passionate about Ole Miss.

"My years at the university have been nothing short of incredible, thanks to the joy of working alongside such wonderful people," he said. "I will always cherish the experiences, opportunities, friendships and memories that have shaped my time here."

Top: Samir Ross, a professor of pharmacognosy and research professor in the university's National Center for Natural Products Research, is retiring after more than three decades of research. Ross has studied medicinal uses of many plants, fungi and bacteria and holds 16 patents for his discoveries. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services