Criminal Professor Quaalude
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Jun 6, 2025 Peter Klopfer, a biologist and collaborator at Duke University, shares riveting tales from the captivating world of lemurs. He recounts the amusing escapades and care efforts at the Duke Lemur Center, emphasizing teamwork in research and conservation. The conversation takes a darker turn as they explore the bizarre transformation of John Buettner-Janusch, from a revered academic to a criminal embroiled in drug production. Klopfer reflects on the profound impacts of loss and resilience in academia, intertwining tragedy with unexpected narratives.
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BJ and His Lemurs at Duke
- John Buettner-Janusch, known as BJ, was among the first Americans to study lemurs and faced challenges keeping them at Yale due to escapes.
- He later brought 90 lemurs to Duke University, helping start the Duke Lemur Center with a facility that offered them much more freedom.
BJ's Charismatic Yet Contentious Persona
- BJ was a larger-than-life personality and dressed flamboyantly, which made him highly conspicuous on campus.
- Despite his charisma and popularity with students, he created tension with colleagues by dramatizing funding demands and threats to leave.
Veena's Death Marked a Downfall
- After BJ's wife Veena died unexpectedly, his research funding was withdrawn and his lab work became erratic and confusing.
- His grief deeply impacted him, leading to a significant decline in his academic productivity and engagement.