Thomas R. Rosburg, professor of biology at Drake University, will deliver the 30th Annual Luther W. Stalnaker Lecture on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. A reception will be held immediately following the lecture in the Madelyn M. Levitt Hall of Honor.
Rosburg, professor of biology and department chair, teaches courses in ecology, botany, limnology, biological research and statistics, Iowa natural history, and nature photography. His research investigates topics in plant ecology to better understand the factors affecting the species composition and structure of plant communities in prairie, forest, and wetland ecosystems.
In his lecture, “Ecological Insights into Iowa’s Flora, Prairies, and Agriculture,” Rosburg will examine how nature, and particularly prairie, can serve as a model for sustainable agriculture. After separating and distinguishing his activities as a scientist, naturalist, and activist, Rosburg will summarize some of the significant contributions his work has produced in prairie, wetland, and forest ecosystems. While Rosburg has expertise in all Midwest ecosystems, his true love lies with the prairie.
Rosburg has mentored more than 50 students completing undergraduate research or independent studies. His research projects have furnished more than $1.1 million-plus in grant awards and produced more than 100 scientific papers, reports, and books. Rosburg recently received a $99,949 National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) grant to acquire field data needed for the development of ecological site descriptions for the major land resource areas in Iowa. He has given more than 350 invited lectures, conference presentations and public presentations. Hundreds of his photographs have appeared in books, magazines, calendars and reports. In 2003, Rosburg established the Drake Prairie Rescue and Restoration Program, which receives external funding to conduct prairie management using Drake students as interns.
The Stalnaker Lecture series, which is free and open to the public, honors the memory of Luther W. Stalnaker, dean of the College of Liberal Arts from 1940 to 1954. Gifts from the Stalnaker family and emeriti faculty endowed the series, and it receives continuing support from the College of Arts and Sciences.
For more information, contact the College of Arts and Sciences at 515-271-3939.