The Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award
DR. CHARLES EDWIN BESSEY is remembered as one of
the great developers of botanical education in the United States of America.
In 1884 Dr. Bessey accepted the professorship of botany and horticulture at
the University of Nebraska. His work and dedication to improving the educational
aspects of Botany are most noted in what Nebraskans call "the Bessey era" (1886-1915).
During this period when Nebraska developed an extraordinary program in botany,
ranking among the top five schools in the United States for the number of its
undergraduates who became famous botanists. Dr. Bessey served as dean of the
University of Nebraska Agricultural College and became head dean in 1909. He
served as interim chancellor for the University 1888-91, 1899 and again in 1899.
Award Recipients
2008 - Dr.
Beverly Brown is an Associate Professor of Biology, at
Nazareth College of Rochester, New York, and Immediate Past Chair
of the Teaching Section of the Botanical Society of America. Dr.
Brown was instrumental in the development of the BSA’s Planting
Science project, providing the model for the project’s first activity,
called “Planting Seeds.” The “Planting Seeds” project was based
on her NSF Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI)
award to Nazareth College entitled, “Interdisciplinary Teaching:
using the study of sprouts to teach mathematics and science at
a liberal arts college.” Dr. Brown continues to serve the educational
mission of BSA as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Planting
Science project. In addition, she has been a long-time, active
member of the Teaching Section of the BSA and has made several
presentations related to the integration of her teaching and research,
which includes the study of competition for pollination between
invasive and native species.
Dr. Michael Pollan - Michael is a Knight Professor
at the University of California--Berkeley and Director of the
Knight Program for Science and Environmental Journalism there.
Author of such best-selling books about plants as "The Botany
of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World," "The Omnivore's Dilemma:
A Natural History of Four Meals," and "In Defense of Food: An
Eater's Manifesto," he has awakened a basic interest in plants
as food like no other author in recent times. The New York Times
Book Review sums up his approach like this: "Pollan has a wide-ranging
intellect, an eager grasp of evolutionary biology, and a subversive
streak that helps him to root out some wonderfully counterintuitive
points. His prose both shimmers and snaps, and he has a knack
for finding perfect quotes in the oddest places… Best of all,
Pollan really loves plants." One of today's university science
students commented: "When you read each of Pollan's books, you
just can't stop until you reach the very last page, and then,
you feel you must tell someone about all you've learned! Pollan
proposes a new (yet very old) answer to the question of what we
should eat: 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.'" With this
award, the BSA wishes to recognize Dr. Pollan's carefully researched
and far-reaching contributions to public awareness and understanding
of plants via more than a dozen popular-press works.
2007 - Dr. Thomas Rost, University of
California Davis - Tom is Assistant to the Director of International Programs, Professor Emeritus of Plant Biology, and
Botanist Emeritus in the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of California, Davis. He is recognized for
his innovative and outstanding teaching in plant anatomy, including early and experimental adoption of technology in his
classes. Tom has been active in the BSA Education Committee and in the Structural and Developmental Section. He has
published over 140 scientific papers on root growth and development and other anatomical topics, and co-authored four books,
including two general botany textbooks. Dr. Rost received the Davis Division Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award,
which is the highest teaching award make by each UC campus.
Dr. James Wandersee, Louisiana State University - Jim is the LeBlanc Alumni Association professor in
the College of Education at LSU, focusing on biological and botanical science education. He is currently the Chair of the
Teaching Section of the BSA and has presented many papers and workshops in this section and in the BSA Educational Forum.
He helped coin the phrase “plant blindness” which was part of a campaign to help teachers, students, and the general public
overcome their inability to notice plants in their own environment, which leads to the inability to recognize the importance
of plants in the biosphere and in human affairs. He is a prolific author, with over 100 publications and several books that
have been translated into six languages. He was elected a fellow of AAAS, was an officer in the National Association of
Biology Teachers, and is the director of the 15 Degree Laboratory, A Visual Cognition Research and Development Laboratory for
Improving
Biological and Botanical Learning.
2006 - Dr. W. Hardy Eshbaugh, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio,
Professor Emeritus, Department of Botany. The nomination letters indicate that Hardy has advanced
and broadened botany education for several generations of Miami University students. He pioneered the
development of field courses ranging from introductory level formal courses to public outreach for retirees.
We thank him for his 33 years of formal teaching and his continuing efforts to bring additional understanding of
the natural world to the public at large.
Dr. David W. Lee, Florida International University, Miami, Florida. Peer nominators wish to recognize life-long
effort and creativity demonstrated by Dr. Lee teaching of botany and advocacy for botanical education. His unique
career path began in 1970. It has included extensive research and teaching in the tropics, as well as academic positions in
the United States. We thank him for sharing his love of botany and his desire to communicate about plants to students and the
public in uniquely effective methods.
2005 - Dr. Donald Kaplan,
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California. The nomination letters
we received indicate that Donald has made a significant impact on the lives
of many students whom he taught and supervised during his illustrious career.
On behalf of his students and the Botanical Society of America, we are pleased
to acknowledge Donald's passion and excellence in teaching botany. We thank
him for his inspiration and dedication to our field, and we are proud to place
his name on the list of Charles Edwin Bessey Award recipients.
2003 - Dr. Joseph Novak,
University of West Florida, Pensacola. This award recognizes outstanding contributions
to botanical instruction.
1999 - Dr. William Jensen,
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. For taking the time to passionately
teach botany to our next generation and for contributions far exceeding all
expectations to the botanical sciences.
1998 - Dr. Joseph E. Armstrong,
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. Over the years, Joe has
shared his passion for plants with thousands of students. In addition, BIOLAB,
an electronic bulletin board, has become one of the most extensive collections
of innovative laboratory activities that enhance student learning.
1997 - Dr. Marshall D.
Sundberg, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas. Dr. Sundberg is
a botanist in the tradition of Charles Bessey, He balances botanical research
with educational research and teaching.
1991 - Dr.
Gordon Uno, University of Oklahoma.
1990 - Dr. Barbara W. Saigo
and Dr. Roy H. Saigo, University of Northern Iowa. Both recipients
have given tirelessly of themselves in furthering botanical instruction, including
leadership roles in the BSA Teaching Section and Education Committee.
1989 - Dr. Samuel Noel Postlethwait,
who, like Charles Bessey, is recognized both as a scholar and as a teacher.
Professor Postlethwait has been an inspiration to his students and has done much
in promoting the teaching of botany during his tenure in the Biology Department
at Purdue University, particularly in developing the audio-tutorial method of
instruction. His enthusiasm for teaching and spirit of scholarly activity infects
his students, who, in the spirit of Charles Bessey, continue to inspire others
in the field of botany.
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