Mark Lee Witten graduated from Emporia High School in 1971. He received post
secondary degrees from Emporia State University and Indiana University. In 1990, he
joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine and later became a research
professor and director of the Lung Injury Laboratory in the pediatrics department.

Dr. Witten’s research specialty is studying the effects of inhalation of jet fuel on
the lung. He is recognized as a national and international expert in this field, and he has
been a consultant to the U.S. armed forces and NASA. By 2002, he had published over
200 manuscripts in his field and was listed in Who’s Who in Science & Engineering,
Who’s Who in America, and American Men and Women in Science. He also received a
University of Arizona Mentor Award for his work with students and a Distinguished
Alumni Award from ESU.

His nomination states, Dr. Witten is an outstanding scientist with extraordinary
honor citizenship. His professional aspirations and accomplishments have been consistent
with the high research, teaching and service mission of the nation and people.