PULLMAN, Wash.–Washington State University botany Professor Douglas E. Soltis has been selected to present the university’s 1998 Distinguished Faculty Address in February.
His public presentation, “Plants, Polyploidy and the Origins of Species,” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in Todd Hall, Room 276.
Soltis, a faculty member since 1983, is a world leader on plant molecular systematics. He has authored or coauthored more than 150 publications in the past 20 years. His papers appear in the premier journals in systematics and evolutionary biology. In addition, Soltis has coedited two books that cogently organize the current strides being made by the most active investigators in the field.
Soltis has been consistently successful in obtaining funding from the National Science Foundation and other agencies for his research and the research of his students.
He has been very active in the national and international professional organizations in his field. He has repeatedly organized symposia at national and international meetings that have led directly to publications, including the books that he has coedited.
According to his nominators, Soltis brings a remarkable diligence, skill and enthusiasm to the classroom. “It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm that he brings to his 100-level course in introductory botany and the positive reaction that this prompts from his students.”
The address is sponsored by WSU to honor its outstanding scholars and provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and friends of the university to become acquainted with the broader aspects of its cultural heritage and scientific achievements.
Soltis is the 64th faculty member selected for the honor since it was instituted as the Invited Address in 1958. He receives a cash prize of $2,500.
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