Chang H. Jo, Class of 2000, died March 18, 1999 in an apparent suicide. He was 20 years old.

Kirkland House officials found Jo unconscious in his room after the biochemistry concentrator and musician missed a scheduled meeting with his senior tutor. Investigators later determined that his death was a result of cyanide poisoning.

Friends and faculty members interviewed at the time of Jo's death remembered the southern Californian as especially dedicated to his academic work and a considerate friend.

"He was passionate about math and music but was brilliant all-around," said Peter S. Manasantivongs '99, a friend since high school.

During his time at Harvard, Jo co-authored two published research papers with Higgins Professor of Biochemistry Jack L. Strominger '46 on the cellular mechanisms of the immune system. Jo, who entered the College as part of the Class of 2000 and accepted advanced standing status, took a year off to work for a financial firm in New York City.

Jo's talents extended beyond the purely professional, too, friends said.

Jessica A. Bowen '00, one of Jo's friends from their first year at College and a member of his blocking group, said that despite his dedication to his studies, Jo was always available to help other students with homework.

"Even freshman year he was taking more chemistry and physics classes than anyone else in our entryway, but he was always willing to help other people," Bowen said at the time of Jo's death.