Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit

SU biologist named fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science

Tuesday, January 10, 2012, By News Staff
Share
awardsresearch

Biologist William T. Starmer believes one can usually tell what people do by looking at their bookshelves. The volumes lining the wall of Starmer’s office in Syracuse University’s Life Sciences Complex summarize a career focused on mathematical approaches to understanding biological problems, particularly in the areas of population genetics, ecology and evolution. He’s written some of the chapters in the books on his shelves.

starmerFor his accomplishments in the biological sciences, Starmer, a professor of biology in SU’s College of Arts and Sciences, has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. The AAAS will recognize the 2012 class of fellows for their outstanding contributions to science and technology during the annual meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on Feb. 18.

An accomplished mathematician as well as an expert in population genetics, Starmer has worked collaboratively with colleagues from his department and with scientists across the nation and internationally. His research has garnered continuous funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“Tom Starmer’s research program is interdisciplinary and collaborative,” says Larry Wolf, professor emeritus in SU’s Department of Biology. Wolf is also an AAAS Fellow. “Tom is the resident statistical consultant in the department and also the faculty member to whom students and colleagues turn for help with modeling efforts. His collaboration is constantly in demand on an incredible diversity of topics. His insight has earned him respect among colleagues worldwide.”

Starmer believes one can learn much about an ecosystem and evolution by studying some of the smallest creatures living within. He has worked collaboratively with scientists all over the world to study the ecological genetics of the interactions between cactus, yeast and fruit flies (Drosophila). He organized two NSF-funded expeditions to study the cactus-yeast-Drosophila system in the West Indies, as well as two NSF-funded international meetings to bring together some of the foremost experts in the field. Species of Drosophila and yeast have been named in his honor.

Starmer has collaborated on extensive studies of yeast systematics. More than 1,000 yeasts have been identified the world over. A three-volume collection of much of what is known about the taxonomy, ecology and evolution of yeasts sits on his bookshelf among the books on genetics, evolution and statistics. “I’ve studied yeasts that live in unique habitats and show interesting relationships with plants and insects,” Starmer says. “Their interactions with each other and their symbionts are one of the more fascinating aspects of their ecology. There is still much to be discovered about how they live and their functions in the ecosystem.”

Starmer has also worked with others to study evolution by looking at ancient organisms found living in ice cores obtained from deep in the Greenland ice sheet. Other work includes collaborations to study molecular evolution of vision genes, sexual selection in Drosophila and community ecology. He is the author or co-author of more than 200 scientific publications.

Starmer holds a Ph.D. in genetics and statistics from the University of Arizona. Before his appointment in 1977 at SU, he worked as a research microbiologist at the University of California, a research professor at the University of Arizona and a resident associate at the Argonne National Laboratory. He has served as a visiting fellow at the University of New England, Armidale, N.S.W. in Australia; on the NSF’s Population Biology and Physiological Ecology panel and oversight committee; and on the NSF’s Integrated Research Challenge in Environmental Biology panel.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Preparing Students for a Life of Success
    Friday, May 27, 2022, By Caroline K. Reff
  • Alumni Draw on Their Military Experience in Their Roles as Teachers
    Thursday, May 26, 2022, By Martin Walls
  • Bringing ‘CSI’ Into the Classroom
    Thursday, May 26, 2022, By Dan Bernardi
  • Eugene ‘Gene’ Anderson to Depart Syracuse, Tapped to Lead University of Pittsburgh’s Business School
    Thursday, May 26, 2022, By News Staff
  • Newhouse Creative Advertising Students Win 195 Awards in 1 Year, Setting a New School Record
    Thursday, May 26, 2022, By News Staff

More In Uncategorized

“Syracuse University to rename the Carrier Dome – what name would fans choose?”

Beth Egan, associate professor of advertising in the Newhouse School, was quoted in the CNY Central story “Syracuse University to rename the Carrier Dome – what name would fans choose?” Egan, who specializes in strategic communications and advertising, discussed why…

Syracuse Views Spring 2022

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience using #SyracuseU on social media, fill out a submission…

“Can the Working Class End PMC Environmentalism?”

Matthew Huber, professor of geography and the environment in the Maxwell School, was interviewed for the Diet Soap Media Podcast episode “Can the Working Class End PMC Environmentalism?” Huber, who studies climate politics, discussed his new book that unpacks the failures…

Breen authors piece on Samuel Alito

Jenny Breen, associate professor of law in the College of Law, authored the Common Dreams opinion piece “The ‘Raw Judicial Power’ of Samuel Alito Is an Attack on Dignity, Autonomy, and Progress.” Breen, who teaches Constitutional law, discussed the leak…

“Governors Island’s New Orchard Is a Treasure Trove of Rare Fruits”

An art installation created by Sam Van Aken, associate professor of studio arts in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was featured in the Thrillist story “Governors Island’s New Orchard Is a Treasure Trove of Rare Fruits.” Van Aken, who…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2022 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.