Gerald E. Edwards, a Washington State University professor in the School of Biological Sciences and a Fellow of WSU’s Institute of Biological Chemistry, will present the university’s annual Distinguished Faculty Address April 9.
The 7:30 p.m. public talk, “Living by Photosynthesis,” is set for the Samuel H. Smith Center for Undergraduate Education, Room 203.
A member of the WSU faculty since 1981, Edwards is recognized by the international science community as one of the leading authorities in the general area of photosynthesis. His research contributions over a 30-year career span have led to a textbook understanding of how certain plants utilize a more efficient C4 cycle to fix carbon dioxide as opposed to the more common C3 pathway. His contribution in the discovery of plant species that exhibit C4 photosynthesis in a single photosynthetic cell has major implications towards improving the productivity and yields of major crop plants such as rice and wheat.
Edwards has published more than 300 refereed research articles and is co-author of a textbook on C3, C4 photosynthesis. He has given 81 research seminars and invited talks at many of the leading universities in the United States and abroad. He is the recipient of five fellowships, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, Royal Society Fellowship (London) and Fulbright Fellowship and has garnered more than $6 million in extramural grant support.
Edwards is recognized by the Institute of Scientific Information as one of 108 highly cited plant and animal scientists, and one of only two WSU professors who are on the most cited list in all categories covering the physical, life, agricultural and engineering sciences. He has trained 26 graduate students and 26 postdoctoral research associates.
Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate from University of California, Riverside.
WSU’s Distinguished Faculty Address series honors a faculty member by inviting the individual to address the community on a topic related to his/her academic work. Lecturers are selected based on national/international distinction for original contributions to their discipline, receipt of extramural support, national/international service and achievements in education. The recognition also carries a $2,500 award.
