Lorraine Sheppard

Lorraine Sheppard was a woman of remarkable intelligence and focus who passed away peacefully at home in March 2026. Born in Millville, New Jersey, to a family descended from some of America’s earliest settlers, she developed a deep love for the natural world that shaped her life’s work. She earned a PhD in Genetics from Oregon State University and completed her postdoctoral studies at the Institute of Forest Genetics. A pioneer in the genetic modification of poplar trees, she was also an expert in capturing intricate images of plant microstructures and worked at the forefront of bioinformatics during her time with Ingenuity. Her contributions to forestry genetics are expected to benefit generations of foresters to come.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Lorraine was a gifted artist who excelled in jewelry-making and painting, with a particular talent for capturing light and color in her compositions.

She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Alex Krupkin; her son, Alex Nyers; her daughter-in-law, Kirsten Nyers (née Petersen); and her grandchildren, Alexandra and Fox Nyers.