NIU Biology Professor Sidney Mittler, 70, 227 Forsythe Lane, died Sunday in Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

Jack Bennett, another biology professor, said Mittler was an important contributor to the field of genetics and mutation research.

“Dr. Mittler worked in studying the effects of chemicals and radiation on genes. He extensively studied repair enzymes, which repair damage done to genes,” Bennett said.

He said one of Mittler’s most important discoveries dealt with “combining the effects of mutagenic agents with heat.” Bennett said Mittler found a “strong, heightened reaction” when heat was introduced with mutagens.

Mittler belonged to several science societies and received numerous awards for his research, Bennett said. He said Mittler had articles published in the Mutation Research Journal.

Mittler was department adviser for the biology honors society, Phi Sigma, and director of the honors program in biology for a number of years, Bennett said.

“Dr. Mittler was one of the most productive biology professors and a joy to be around. He will be missed,” he said.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today in Ronan-Moore Mortuary, 310 Oak St., DeKalb.