EEB’s UT Fungal Collection Dedicated in Honor of Two UT Emeritus Professors
We are pleased to announce that the University of Tennessee Fungal Collection in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Dept. has been officially named and dedicated in honor of two UT emeritus professors, Karen W. Hughes and Ronald H. Petersen, whose careers have profoundly shaped modern mycology.
The UT Fungal Collection contains more than 80,000 specimens, representing approximately 11,000 species across 356 families. These two outstanding mycologists have made extraordinary contributions to the herbarium, depositing nearly 15,000 specimens (~19% of the entire UT Fungal Collection!), including more than 3,000 unique species.
Of particular significance are the 190 type specimens they collected and deposited. Type specimens are foundational to biological science, serving as the permanent reference material used to describe and name new species. The scientific value of these specimens cannot be overstated. Their impact is further reflected in their scientific productivity, combined these two researchers have published more than 500 papers!
We are honored to recognize Hughes and Petersen through this dedication and to celebrate their lasting contributions to the UT Herbarium and the global mycological community.
Gordon Burghardt Weighs in on Reptile Moods
Long dismissed as unintelligent, reptiles are emerging as cognitively and emotionally complex animals. A new study involving tortoises suggests that they also possess mood states.
Ijams Hails Bats – Lots of Bats – with New Habitat House
Under the direction of University of Tennessee professor emeritus Gary McCracken and Ijam’s conservation director, Ben Nanny, a bat house has been constructed near Meads Quarry that’s expected to attract a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that will prove to be a delight for Ijams visitors.
The Scopes Trial Centennial: A Witness to Change—Reflecting on 50 Years of Science and Society
In this video, Alumni Distinguished Service Professor Gordon Burghardt shares his experiences from events that took place during the 50th anniversary of the famous trial, and offers insightful commentary on ongoing issues of science and nature.
Susan Kalisz Honored by AAAS as Lifetime Fellow
Four faculty members at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been elected 2024 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. AAAS Fellows are elected to a lifetime appointment annually by their peers on the AAAS Council in recognition of their extraordinary achievements.
Burghardt honored by Animal Behavior Society
Animal behavior captivated Gordon Burghardt as a boy, and over more than half a century at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, his interdisciplinary research advanced ethology in areas including animal play, social behavior, communication, reptile behavior, enrichment, and animal cognitive abilities.
The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) recognized his outstanding lifetime achievement by awarding Burghardt the 2024 Distinguished Animal Behaviorist Award during its annual meeting in late June.
EEB Spring 2023 Awards Video
Faculty, staff and students from EEB gathered on May 18, 2023 to celebrate the end of the semester, recognize award-winners, and honor retirees. Check out this YouTube video to see all of the winners, along with some photos from the celebration.
Tiny Fish Makes Big Splash
Read about Dr. David Etnier’s Snail Darter legacy here: