Miami Hamilton’s Rypstra awarded title of Distinguished Professor

June 26, 2007

 

Dr. Ann L. Rypstra, Professor of Zoology, has been awarded the title of Distinguished Professor. The title constitutes the highest honor that can be accorded to a member of the professorate.

Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, made the announcement at the Miami University Board of Trustees meeting June 22.

The title acknowledges extraordinary, nationally- and internationally-recognized scholarly achievement.

“This is an incredibly high honor and one that has never before been bestowed upon a regional campus faculty member. Ann is one of only two faculty members at Miami University to be recognized with the distinction this year,” said Dr. Daniel Hall, Miami Hamilton Campus Dean.

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

“Her effectiveness in the classroom, and as a research mentor to her students, is immeasurable. Dr. Rypstra is a source of great pride for all of us,” Hall said.

Rypstra, also the director of Miami’s Ecology Research Center, has been prolific as Principal Investigator on more than $2.4 million in grant monies so far during her tenure at Miami. She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles in leading scientific journals, more than half of which were co-authored with her students, testifying to her effectiveness as a research mentor.

She has directed the research center through significant facility expansions with usage today at an all-time high.

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 been awarded honorary membership at Oxford’s St. Peter’s College.

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

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