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International and national awards and recognition

Nobel laureates

  • Paul Boyer, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1997
  • Edward B. Lewis, Biostatistics, 1995

BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge

  • Marlene Zuk, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

National Academy of Sciences Fellows

  • Ruth Shaw, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2021
  • Dan Voytas, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, 2019
  • Marlene Zuk, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2019
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2014
  • Stephen Polasky, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2010
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2002
  • Eville Gorham, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1994
  • Margaret B. Davis, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1982
  • Herbert E. Wright, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1977

American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellows

  • Susan Jones, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2022
  • Peter Tiffin, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2022
  • George Weiblen, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2022
  • Elizabeth Borer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2021
  • Jessica Hellmann, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2021
  • Nathan Springer, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2021
  • Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2020
  • Ruth Shaw, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2018
  • Marlene Zuk, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2017
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2015
  • A. Stephen Polasky, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2009
  • Judith Berman, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2008
  • Anne Pusey, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2005
  • Craig Packer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2003
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1995
  • Eville Gorham, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1994
  • Margaret B. Davis, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1991
  • Victor Bloomfield, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Development, 1979
  • Robert G. McKinnel, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows

  • Craig Packer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • David Bernlohr, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • Reuben Harris, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • Robin Wright, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Biology Teaching and Learning
  • P.T. Magee, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • Peter Snustad, Plant Biology
  • Michael Simmons, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Lawrence Wackett, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics
  • Franklin Barnwell, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

Royal Society of London

  • David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2017

Blue Plant Prize

  • David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2021

Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences

  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2010

Linnean Society of London Fellows

  • Franklin Barnwell, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Robert McKinnel, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

International Prize for Biology

  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2008

Prince Hitachi Prize of the Japanese Cancer Research Institute

  • Robert G. McKinnel, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

Raymond and Beverly Sackler International Prize in the Physical Sciences

  • Charalampos Kalodimos, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2017

Guggenheim Fellowship

  • Susan Jones, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2017
  • Ruth G. Shaw Ecology, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2002
  • Craig Packer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1990
  • Anne Elizabeth Pusey, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1990
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1984
  • Patrice A. Morrow, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1982
  • Irving I. Gottesman, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1972
  • John Martin Wood, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1972
  • Herbert Edgar Wright Jr., Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1954
  • Gerald Bruce Ownbey, Plant Biology, 195

Professional organization awards and recognition

American Academy of Microbiology Fellows

  • Daniel Bond, Plant and Microbial Biology
  • Leslie A. Schiff, Microbiology
  • Lawrence Wackett, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • Pete Magee, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • Judith Berman, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • P. Patrick Cleary, Microbiology
  • Gary Dunny, Microbiology
  • Marty Dworkin (Emeritus), Microbiology
  • Ashley Haas, Microbiology
  • Russell Johnson, Microbiology
  • Pat Schlievert, Microbiology
  • Dennis Watson (Emeritus), Microbiology
  • Michael Sadowsky, BioTechnology Institute

American Association Ornithological Society Brina Kessel Award

  • Keith Barker, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2018

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Fellow

  • David Bernlohr, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2024

American Society of Plant Biologists Fellow

  • Neil Olszewski, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2018

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography Sustaining Fellow

  • James Cotner, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2018

Ecological Society of America Fellows

  • Jennifer Powers, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2020
  • Elizabeth Borer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2019
  • Eric Seabloom, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2018
  • Allison Shaw, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2018

Ecological Society of America Exemplar Award

  • David Stephens, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2017

Genetics Society Award

  • Robin Wright, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and Biology Teaching and Learning, 2014

George W. Beadle Award

  • Robert Herman, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2007

Minnesota College Teacher of the Year

  • Franklin Barnwell, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1997

Mortar Board Outstanding Professor Award

  • Richard Phillips, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1999

Academic Health Center’s Academy for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

  • Leslie Schiff, Microbiology, 2014

Carski Award for Undergraduate Teaching from the American Society for Microbiology

  • Leslie Schiff, Microbiology, 2004

Evolution Education Award from the National Association of Biology Teachers

  • Randy Moore, Biology, 2008

American Cancer Society Faculty Research Award

  • Anath Das, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1991-1996

American Cancer Society Junior Faculty Research Award

  • Anath Das, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1987-1990

American Heart Established Investigator

  • Thomas Hays, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1999-2001

Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth Science

  • Eville Gorham, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2000

Forgarty Scholar-in-Residence, National Institutes of Health

  • Victor Bloomfield, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1985

John Hall Memorial Research Award in Plant Evolutionary Biology

  • Peter Tiffin, Plant Biology, 2008

Packard Fellows

  • Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • George Weiblen, Plant Biology
  • Helene Muller-Landau, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

Pew Scholar

  • Frank Albert, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2020
  • Wendy Gordon, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2016
  • Thomas Hays, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1991

Presidential Award of the Crop Society of America

  • Dan Voytas, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2021

Sewell Wright Award

  • Ruth Shaw, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2017

Stanley L. Miller Early Career Award

  • Aaron Englehart, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, 2017

University awards and recognition

University of Minnesota President’s Community-Engaged Scholar Award

  • George Weiblen, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2017

President’s Outstanding Service Award

  • Sara Eliason, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2024
  • LeeAnn Higgins, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2023
  • Scott Lanyon, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2014
  • Victor Bloomfield, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2011
  • Tom Soulen, Plant Biology, 2006
  • John S. Anderson, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2005
  • Jon Ross, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2005
  • Beatrice (Bebe) Magee, , 2005
  • Ellen Dahl, 2000
  • David Hamilton, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2000
  • Jane Phillips, Biology, 2000
  • Anne Caton, 1999
  • Kathleen Peterson, Student Services, 1998
  • Sally Jorgensen, 1997

McKnight Presidential Endowed Chairs

  • Nathan Springer, Plant and Microbial Biology
  • Johnathan Foley, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

University of Minnesota Regents Professors

  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2023
  • Marlene Zuk, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2020
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2002
  • Eville Gorham, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1984
  • Margaret Bryan Davis, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1982
  • Stanley Dagley, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1980
  • Herbert E. Wright, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1974
  • Ralph E. Comstock, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1968

McKnight Presidential Fellows

The McKnight Presidential Fellowship recognizes the most promising faculty who hold tenure and the rank of associate professor. The awards include three years of financial support.

  • Kate Adamala, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2024-26
  • Ya Yang, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2023-25
  • Trinity Hamilton, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2021-23
  • Jacques Finlay, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2010-2012
  • Tim Griffin, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2010-2012
  • George Weiblen, Plant Biology, 2006-2008
  • Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2005-2007

McKnight Distinguished University Professor

  • Eric Seabloom, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Jessica Hellmann, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Elizabeth Borer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Susan Jones, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior 
  • Michael Travisano, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior 
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior 
  • George Weiblen, Plant Biology
  • Judith Berman, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • Claudia Neuhauser, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Mike Sadowsky, BioTechnology Institute
  • Nevin Young, Plant Biology
  • David Bernlohr, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • Bianca M. Conti-Fine, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • Craig Packer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Anne Pusey, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • G. David Tilman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
  • Lawrence P. Wackett, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
  • Reuben Harris, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics

University of Minnesota Academy of Distinguished Teachers

  • Sehoya Cotner, Biology Teaching and Learning, 2014
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2014
  • Susan Wick, Plant Biology, 2013
  • Bonnie LeRoy, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2013
  • Janet Dubinsky, Neuroscience, 2010
  • Robert Sorenson, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2009
  • Paul Siliciano, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2009
  • Don Alstad, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2008
  • Randy Moore, Biology, 2005
  • Michael M. Sanders, 2005
  • Claudia Neuhauser, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2004
  • Timothy Ebner, Neuroscience, 2004
  • Rob Brooker, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2003
  • Leslie Schiff, Microbiology, 2002
  • Anthony Starfield, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2002
  • P.T. Magee, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2001
  • David Thomas, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2000
  • John S. Anderson, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1999
  • Franklin Barnwell, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1999
  • David D. Biesboer, Plant Biology, 1999
  • Iris Charvat, Plant Biology, 1999
  • William P. Cunningham, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1999
  • Margaret Davis, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1999
  • Willard L. Koukkari, Plant Biology, 1999
  • Alan Hooper, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1990

University of Minnesota Award for Outstanding Contributions to Post-Baccalaureate, Graduate, and Professional Education

  • Sharon Jansa, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2022
  • Scott Lanyon, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2021
  • Margaret Titus, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2018
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2014
  • Bonnie LeRoy, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2012
  • Janet Dubinsky, Neuroscience, 2010
  • Robert Sorenson, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2009
  • Michel M. Sanders, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics,  2005-2006
  • Timothy Ebner, Neuroscience,  2004-2005
  • Glenn Giesler, Neuroscience,  2003-2004
  • Marc Jenkins, Microbiology,  2002-2003
  • Anthony Starfield, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior,  2001-2002
  • David Thomas, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2000
  • Margaret Davis, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1999

McKnight Land-Grant Professors

  • Kate Adamala, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2021-2023
  • Michael Smanski, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2019-2021
  • Ran Blekhman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2018-2020
  • Yaniv Brandvain, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2017-2019
  • Emma Goldberg, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2016-2018
  • Dan Knights, BioTechnology Institute, 2015-2017
  • Emilie Snell-Rood, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2015-2017
  • Melissa Gardner, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2012-2013
  • Jennifer Powers, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2009-2011
  • Mark Bee, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2008-2010
  • Michael Wilson, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2008-2010
  • Daniel Bond, Microbiology, 2007-2009
  • Helene C. Muller-Landau, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2007-2009
  • Cynthia Weinig, Plant Biology, 2006
  • Reuben Harris, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2005
  • George D. Weiblen, Plant Biology, 2005
  • William M. Gray, Plant Biology, 2003
  • Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2001
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2000
  • David Largaespada, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2000
  • Ann Rougvie, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1994
  • Jeffrey Simon, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1993
  • Mary Porter, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1990
  • Anath Das, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1988
  • David Bernlohr, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1987

Horace T. Morse - University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education

  • Clarence Lehman, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2021
  • Deena Wassenberg, Biology Teaching and Learning, 2020
  • David Matthes, Biology Teaching and Learning, 2017-2018
  • Sehoya Cotner, Biology, 2013-2014
  • Susan Wick, Plant Biology, 2012-2013
  • Paul Siliciano, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2009-2010
  • Don Alstad, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, 2008-2009
  • Randy Moore, Biology, 2005-2006
  • Claudia Neuhauser, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2003-2004
  • Rob Brooker, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2002-2003
  • Leslie Schiff, Microbiology, 2001-2002
  • P.T. Magee, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2001
  • John Beatty, 1998
  • John S. Anderson, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1997
  • Willard Koukkari, Plant Biology, 1996
  • David Biesboer, Plant Biology, 1995
  • Clare Woodward, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1993
  • William Cunningham, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1993
  • Robert McKinnell, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1992
  • Thomas Soulen, Plant Biology, 1991
  • Alan Hooper, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Development, 1990
  • Franklin Barnwell, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1989
  • Iris Charvat, Plant Biology, 1987
  • Michael Simmons, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 1986
  • D. Peter Snustad, Plant Biology, 1984
  • Samuel Kirkwood, 1978
  • Magnus Olson, 1976
  • Donald Lawrence, 1974
  • Val Woodward, 1970
  • Stanley Dagley, 1969

Faculty Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Advising

  • Suzanne McGaugh, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2023

Access Achievement Award

  • Nikki Letawsky Schultz, CBS Student Services, 2016
  • Paul Siliciano, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2011

University of Minnesota Early Innovator Award

  • Mikael Elias, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2017

University of Minnesota Impact Award

  • Perry Hackett, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2017

University of Minnesota Emerging Leader in Applied Plant Sciences Award

  • Nathan Springer, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2016

University of Minnesota Outstanding Community Service Award

  • Jim Krueger, Cedar Creek, 2018
  • Harrison “Bud” Tordoff, Evolution, Ecology and Behavior, 2000

University of Minnesota Academic Staff Award

  • Mark Sanders, University Imaging Centers, 2001
  • Bruce Fall, Biology, 1996
  • Jane Phillips, Biology, 1994
  • Kathleen Peterson, Student Services, 1992
  • Rick Peifer, 1991

John Tate Advising Award

  • Jenna Parks, 2021
  • Stefanie Wiesneski, 2016
  • Sarah Corrigan, Student Services, 2010
  • Tom Soulen, Plant Biology, 2002
  • Franklin Barnwell, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 1996
  • Val Woodward, 1994
  • Amy Winkel, 1994
  • Iris Charvat, 1992
  • Kathleen Peterson, 1987

College awards and recognition

John & Abigail Wardle Chairs in Microbial Ecology

  • Elizabeth Borer, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2023-28
  • Peter Kennedy, Plant and Microbial Ecology, 2023-28
  • Will Harcombe, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2018-22
  • Peter Tiffin, Plant and Microbial Ecology, 2018-22

Stanley Dagley-Samuel Kirkwood Undergraduate Education Award

  • Yaniv Brandvain, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2024
  • Emilie Snell-Rood, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2024
  • Brian Gibbens, Biology Teaching and Learning, 2023
  • Sarah Hobbie, Ecology Evolution and Behavior, 2022
  • Janet Dubinsky, Neuroscience, 2021
  • Ann Rougvie, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2020
  • David LaPorte, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2019
  • Jan Norrander, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2018
  • Sharon Jansa, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2016
  • David Matthes, Biology Teaching & Learning, 2014
  • Christian Mohr, Microbiology, 2013
  • Robert Brambl, Plant Biology, 2012
  • Jeff Gralnick, Microbiology, 2011
  • Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2010
  • Pat Cleary, 2009
  • Sehoya Cotner, Biology, 2008
  • Donald Alstad, 2007
  • Paul Siliciano, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2006
  • Stuart Goldstein, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2005
  • Dave Biesboer, Plant Biology, 2004
  • Claudia Neuhauser, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2003
  • Robert Zink, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2002
  • Thomas Soulen, Plant Biology, 2001
  • Richard Hanson, Microbiology, 2000
  • David Bernlohr, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1999
  • Palmer Rogers, 1998
  • John Beatty, 1997
  • Janet Schottel, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1996
  • Norman Kerr, 1995
  • Douglas Pratt, 1994
  • Susan Wick, Plant Biology, 1993
  • Murray Rosenberg, 1992
  • Iris Charvat, Plant Biology, 1991
  • D. Peter Snustad, 1990
  • John S. Anderson, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 1989

John S. Anderson Leadership Award

  • Mark Bee, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2024
  • Tamar Resnick, Biology Teaching and Learning, 2024
  • Peter Tiffin, Plant and Microbial Biology, 2023
  • Nikki Letawsky Schultz, Student Services, 2022
  • Kit Leffler, Center for Precision Plant Genomics and the Center for Genome Engineering, 2021
  • Meaghan Stein, Biology Teaching and Learning, 2020
  • Ruth Shaw, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2019
  • Abby Conover, Biology Teaching & Learning, 2018
  • Robin Wright, Biology Teaching & Learning, 2014
  • Paul Siliciano, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2013
  • Susan Wick, Plant Biology, 2011
  • Leslie Schiff, Microbiology, 2010
  • Sarah Corrigan, Student Services, 2009
  • Scott Lanyon, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, 2008
  • Jane Philips, Biology, 2007
  • Stuart Goldstein, Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 2006
  • Janet Schottel, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, 2005