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Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Douglas J. Futuyma to Receive Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel Universitys Joseph Leidy Award
PHILADELPHIA, (September 13, 2012) - Dr. Douglas J. Futuyma, professor of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University has been chosen as this years recipient of the Academy of Natural Sciences Joseph Leidy Award. The award was established in 1923 to recognize excellence in publications, explorations, discoveries or research in the natural sciences. Leidy was a leading 19th-century anatomist, paleontologist, parasitologist, and president of the Academy of Natural Sciences. In addition to his teaching career, Dr. Futuyma has conducted extensive research concerning speciation and the evolution of interactions between species. His work has cast light on the evolution of host specificity. Futuyma's students have worked on diverse evolutionary and ecological studies of insect-plant interactions and of speciation in insects. Dr. Futuymas textbooks, Evolutionary Biology, Evolution and Science on Trial: The Case for Evolution have come to be recognized by many as the standard work for evolutionary education. In addition to these published accomplishments, Dr. Futuyma has been a Guggenheim fellow and a Fulbright senior scholar, was well as the president of the Society for the Study of Evolution, the American Society of Naturalists, and the American Institute to Biological Sciences. Dr. John Lundberg, Curator and Chaplin Chair of Ichthyology said Futuyma was chosen not only because of his published work, but for his ability to communicate broad, often complicated ideas to a range of individuals. Doug is widely known for his ability to communicate the vast and complex knowledge of evolutionary biology to other scientists, students and the general public. Hes a broad thinker who truly revels in the joy of life's diversity and the teaching and study of evolutionary biology. The Academy welcomes Dr. Futuyma into the company of prestigious past award recipients, including Dr. Henry Pilsbry, Mr. James Bond, and most recently, Mr. Tim Flannery. "Dr. Futuyma has contributed to the word of evolutionary science not only through his beautifully written textbooks, but through his commitment to Evolutionary science and education in general said Academy President and CEO George Gephart Jr. We are privileged to be able to honor his work and look forward to enjoying his continued dedication to Evolutionary science.

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Carolyn Belardo, Senior Communications Manager, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Phone: 215-299-1043, Belardo@ansp.org, | Press Room: www.ansp.org/press Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is Americas oldest natural history museum and a world leader in biodiversity and environmental research. For 200 years, the Academy has carried out its mission to encourage and cultivate the sciences, exploring the remarkable diversity of our natural world and sharing these discoveries with the public through innovative exhibits, publications, and educational programming. HOURS: MondayFriday, 10 a.m.4:30 p.m.; SaturdaySunday, 10 a.m.5 p.m. ADMISSION: $15 adults; $13 children 3-12, seniors, college students, and military personnel; free for members and children under 3. PHONE: 215-299-1000
THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY 1900 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PKWY PHILADELPHIA 19103