She was born July 18, 1932, in Colby, the daughter of Robert W. and Berneice (DeSelms) Fort. She received her A.B. in bacteriology in 1956 and her doctorate in physiology in 1962, both from Kansas University. She had lived in Lawrence since 1950.

Mrs. Dahl joined KU as an assistant professor in 1964 after her postdoctoral work in England. She became a full professor in the department of physiology and cell biology in 1992. Her work with KU included nearly 40 scientific papers and presentations about the eye and energy flow to nerve tissue.

She received honors as a U.S. Public Health Fellow, KU, in 1960 to 1962. She was also awarded National Science Foundation Travel Fellowship in 1969 to Milan, Italy, was inducted into the KU Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993, was given the Dean’s Scholars Program Mentor Award in May 1994 and the 1995 Chancellors Club Career Teaching Award. She was a member of numerous neurochemistry, neuroscience and physiological societies, along with the American Association for Advancement of Science. She was one of the founders of the local chapter of Association of Women in Science. She was also a member of Unitarian Fellowship, Lawrence Civic Choir, and Friends of Lieds.

Mrs. Dahl married Dennis Dahl on Jan. 23, 1952. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Julian S. Dahl, and a daughter, Kathleen R. Nuckolls, both of Lawrence.

A son, James S. Dahl, died in 1964.

The family suggests memorials to the Nancy Dahl Memorial Fund, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Dahl.