Retired UNC professor Keith Burridge worked for decades on the cell biology of the cytoskeleton, adhesion, cell shape, and movement. You already learned about his discoveries and naming of several cytoskeletal proteins including the Tar Heel protein, talin.
Even before he retired, he was a secret playwright! Now he spends even more of his time creating art in this way. He loves history, controversy, and telling the stories of those whose voices haven't been heard. He wrote a one-person play about Edith Wilson, who truly ran this country after Woodrow Wilson became incapacitated, keeping the degree of his inability a secret.
The most science-y play I've seen from him was about the discovery of mRNA: "The Message." It was read by local actors for the celebration of Keith's retirement. Keith was present for some of the moments of discovery in Cambridge England, and also carefully researched the events and people depicted in the play. Can you imagine a time before we knew about mRNA?! I love that art like theatre can afford us time-travel, to explore other perspectives and vicariously enjoy the thrill of discovery.
Keith lives near campus and can be spotted on long walks. Since he's my PhD advisor, I'm grateful to be near him still!