Sarah Hobbie was recently named the 2016 Ada Comstock Distinguished Scholar. The award — sponsored by the Office of Equity and Diversity's Women’s Center, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, and the University Libraries — honors the academic accomplishments of distinguished women faculty at the University of Minnesota.
“Sarah has worked tirelessly with collaborators globally to understand how plants and microorganisms influence ecosystem functions and how ecosystems respond to global change,” says Jeannine Cavender-Bares, EEB faculty and co-chair of the Women’s Faculty Cabinet. “She has received many other accolades for her research, teaching and service to the University of Minnesota and to the scientific community globally in her efforts to leave a habitable planet to future generations.”
Hobbie joined the College of Biological Sciences faculty in 1998. She was named a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in 2016 and elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2013. Hobbie is a member of the University’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers and also serves as co-leader of Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve's Long-Term Ecological Research Program. Hobbie’s research focuses on understanding the ecological consequences of diverse human-caused environmental changes, as well as the impact of human activity in urban environments. As part of the recognition, Hobbie will give a special lecture this fall. — Lance Janssen