SMYRNA - Dr. Fatma M. Helmy peacefully passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at her home in Smyrna. She was 84. Dr. F. Helmy received her Bachelor's of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Cairo, Egypt, she then received her Master's of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Hematology and Histology also from the University of Cairo, and finally she received her Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) at Tulane University, New Orleans, La. She was a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Delaware State University (DSU), where she taught from 1975 until May 2011. Before she came to DSU, she taught in the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Ky.; Tulane University, New Orleans, La.; and the University of New Orleans, New Orleans, La. Besides teaching, her passion was research. She published sixty-seven (67) scientific articles in scientific refereed journals. She presented her research at thirty-seven (37) international and national professional scientific meetings. She was a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), International Association for Women Bioscientists, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, American Association of Anatomist, Sigma Xi, New York Academy of Sciences, and the American Chemical Society. She was awarded the MBRS grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1980 to 1991. She initiated the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program, a grant also funded by the NIH, at Delaware State University in 1988, and she successfully maintained it until 2008. The DSU MARC Program produced twenty-two (22) students with Ph.D.s in the Biomedical Sciences from prestigious universities throughout the country. She was also a dedicated mentor. She helped a total of ten students obtain their graduate degrees; four of them received their M.Sc. degrees from Delaware State University. Their thesis was published in refereed journals. She also mentored numerous undergraduate students in her research laboratory. Those students made poster presentations of their research results at national and international meetings. Due to Dr. F. Helmy's dedicated work in teaching, research and mentoring, she received the Delaware State University College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Special Award for Excellence in Service for two years, she was nominated "Who is Who Among America's Teachers," she received the Delaware State University's Presidential Excellence Award, the Merit Award, The Delaware State University Alumni Association (Making a difference award) in recognition of outstanding dedication and willing commitment to students and the Minority Access Inc. "National Role Model Faculty Award" for Exemplary Achievement in Educating and Motivating Students. She was married for 33 years to Dr. Marvin Hack, who died in 1999. She is survived by her sister, Dr. Ehsan Helmy of Smyrna. Graveside Funeral Services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at Lakeside Cemetery, 558 N. State St., Dover. Friends may gather at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way # 205 New Castle, DE 19720. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.