After years of research, personal struggle, NC State prof succumbs to ALS

Michael Bereman, a biology professor at North Carolina State University whose research focus dovetailed with his own diagnosis, died last week of ALS.

Posted 3:26 p.m. Mar 22, 2021 — Updated 4:21 p.m. Mar 22, 2021

RALEIGH, N.C. — Michael Bereman, a biology professor at North Carolina State University whose research focus dovetailed with his own diagnosis, died last week of ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disease that gradually weakens the muscles until sufferers can no longer move, speak or, ultimately, breathe.

Bereman first noticed his symptoms in 2015 at the age of 33. Increasing muscle weakness eventually led the family man and highly regarded N.C. State biology professor to a motorized chair and special computer tools to help him write as he continued his research in hopes of helping himself and others.

Bereman refocused his research to help doctors provide an earlier diagnosis and more accurate prognosis for future patients, identifying proteins that may be most useful in measuring disease progression or for testing new drugs.

He said the work itself was his best therapy.

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Bereman leaves behind a wife and two children. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $40,000 for his children's college expenses.

Bereman's ALS research can be found in the online journal or on the N.C. State website. The ALS association awarded Bereman the grant that allowed him to do the biomarker research.

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