Charles Darwin (1809-82), British scientist, who laid the foundation of modern evolutionary theory with his concept of the development of all forms of life through the slow-working process of natural selection. His work was a major influence on the life and earth sciences and on modern thought in general.
Photo credit, The British Library
As one of the nation’s top research universities, MSU prides itself on making breakthrough discoveries and finding practical solutions that improve people’s lives, from the cancer-fighting drugs cisplatin and carboplatin to key ingredients in Tamiflu. By expanding research funding and providing more opportunities for graduate and undergraduate student involvement, the possibilities for research are endless—and so is our vision.
Richard Lenski in his lab.
Photo by Bruce Fox, University Relations
Richard Lenski, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of microbial ecology, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences.
Lenski is the director of MSU’s Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program - a multidisciplinary graduate program of study and research. He is a faculty member with appointments in the departments of microbiology and molecular genetics, zoology, and crop and soil sciences.
Lenski’s research focuses on experimental evolution and the ecological processes and genetic mechanisms that cause evolutionary change. His research itself has undergone a fascinating evolution. Lenski’s lab has gained considerable recognition for watching evolution as it happens under controlled conditions. E. coli was the first mechanism, to be followed by the revolutionary development of a computer program that allows digital organisms to test generalizations about how life has evolved.
Election to membership in the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer. Those elected now bring the total number of active members to 2,013, and Michigan State's academy membership to eight.
Learn More
MSU Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
MSU Department of Zoology
MSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
MSU Ecology, Evolutionary Biology & Behavior - Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
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