Scientist Loses Historic Home—Help Him Rebuild

Help a Devoted Scientist Rebuild After a House Fire: His Dream Was to Restore History—Now He Needs Us to Restore His Life

In less than 20 minutes, a lifelong scientist lost everything—his historic home, his belongings, and his peace of mind. With your help, he can rebuild.

Dr. Stanislav Kolpakov Nikitin is a quiet, brilliant researcher in his 60s who has devoted his life to science—from modeling the early universe to understanding the biology of human aging. After training in the UK and Spain, he came to the U.S. to join Duke University’s Biodemography of Aging Research Unit (BARU), where he currently contributes to NIH-funded research on the genetics of aging and longevity.

Outside the lab, Stanislav found a second calling: restoring a 1910 Colonial Revival house in Virgilina, VA. With eight fireplaces, double front doors, and deep porches, it was a neglected but beautiful historic gem. Using the last of his savings, he bought the home and spent the next five years restoring it by hand—carefully repairing the plumbing, HVAC, and structure while preserving its historic character.

Because the house was still mid-restoration, it was uninsurable. New electrical wiring was scheduled for early summer.

In April 15, tragedy struck.

A fire, caused by old wiring, consumed the house in less than 20 minutes. Stanislav escaped through a second-story window with the help of heroic firefighters—but lost everything he owned.

He now faces the very real possibility of homelessness and the end of his research career. His NIH funding ends in September 2025, and without a stable living situation, he may not be able to continue his work at Duke or apply for future grants.

This fundraiser will help Stanislav:

– Secure temporary housing and essential belongings

– Maintain stability while continuing his research

– Begin the long rebuilding of what was lost

Stanislav has spent his life building—knowledge, models, and even physical spaces. If you believe in second chances, in the value of science, or in helping someone who has quietly given his all, please consider contributing.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps, and sharing this page is appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

How Your Donations Will Be Used

All donations will go directly to Dr. Kolpakov Nikitin to help him recover from the loss of his home and maintain the ability to continue his scientific work.

Who Is Organizing This Fundraiser?

This campaign is organized by a close friend and colleague of Dr. Kolpakov Nikitin, with his full consent. 100% of donations will go directly to him.

We are committed to transparency and will provide updates so you can see how your contributions are making an impact—supporting both his immediate recovery and his return to the scientific work that benefits us all.