Rypstra wins Miami Hamilton Excellence in Scholarship award

June 13, 2007

Dr. Ann L. Rypstra, Professor of Zoology at Miami Hamilton and director of Miami’s Ecology Research Center, has received the Miami Hamilton Excellence in Scholarship award.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading behavioral ecologists, Rypstra contributes mightily to scientific research in her fields of expertise through grant funding and publication.

A faculty member since 1985, Rypstra has been prolific as Principal Investigator on more than $2.4 million in grant monies, for an annual average of approximately $115,000 so far during her tenure at Miami. The grants were awarded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Geographic Society and Kellogg Foundation.

She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles in leading scientific journals including Ecology, Animal Behavior and American Naturalist. More than half of those papers were co-authored with doctorate, graduate and undergraduate students, testifying to her effectiveness as a research mentor.

In 2004, Miami recognized Rypstra’s contributions to research by naming her a Distinguished Scholar.

Rypstra’s worldwide recognition is perhaps best illustrated by sabbatical appointments with cutting-edge research organizations in Animal Behavior and Community Ecology at England’s Oxford University, the oldest and arguably most prestigious university in the English-speaking world. She has received honorary membership at Oxford’s St. Peter’s College.

Her standing as a leader in behavioral ecology also has been recognized by the University of Aarhus in Denmark, a leading research university where Rypstra has been brought in to lecture four times in the last decade.

Rypstra directed Miami’s Ecology Research Center through significant facility expansions with usage today at an all-time high.

“Our strength as a group is largely due to her leadership,” said colleague Dr. Dave Berg, Miami Hamilton Professor of Zoology.