Within the past two years, we have lost five cherished faculty members. They had a tremendous impact on science and on our students. They were each unique and valued colleagues, and we miss their contributions and their character.
James L. Goodson, Professor was a prominent behavioral neuroendocrinologist known for his work on estrildid finches and his passion for field research in Africa. One of his many accomplishments while at IU was to develop new testing paradigms for evaluating sociality (preference for being with a flock) in zebra finches. Jim was an avid birder and environmentalist. He loved traveling and had a great fondness for Volkswagen buses Jim’s students remember him as an impeccable scientist and as a warm, generous mentor who lived a very large and full life during his 48 years.
Albert Ruesink, Professor Emeritus was a plant biologist who developed novel methods for studying the cells of plants. Undergraduate teaching was his greatest love, and he shared this passion as the director of Biology’s Masters of the Arts for Teaching Program and the annual training sessions for associate instructors. Al was a tireless advocate for the Department of Biology. In 2013, he and his wife, Kathy, created an award to recognize those associate instructors who excelled at teaching. Al was active in Earth Care, which brings faith communities together on the topic of environmental ethics and climate change. View the last lecture.
George A. Hudock, Associate Professor Emeritus researched the genetic analysis of phototaxis in a type of green algae. George was a gifted teacher, and his students quickly learned that he cared deeply about them, despite a rough exterior. In gratitude for his inspiration and guidance, one of his students created a graduate student fellowship in his honor. George’s educational zeal extended beyond IU; he participated in many outreach activities for the public. George felt a strong, spiritual connection to the American West, finding great peace in its wilderness areas.
John R. Preer Jr., Distinguished Professor Emeritus performed innovative research elucidating how microorganisms live, compete, and reproduce. With his wife (the late Dr. Louise “Bertie” Preer) working with him, John developed techniques that broke new ground in the study of paramecia during his seven-decade career. He was a pioneering geneticist and a teacher who educated an impressive lineage of students who are now leaders in the field. John built two large telescopes, creating legions of amateur astronomers in his neighborhood. He learned to sail and helped Bertie grow hundreds of orchids at their home.
Arthur L. Koch, Professor Emeritus has been described as “one of the true Renaissance scientists of the past several decades.” He published on diverse topics from metabolic rates and cell growth to bacterial shape to even problems faced by migrating sea turtles! His surface stress theory, among his most prominent achievements, describes how surface-tension-like forces determine bacterial shape. Arthur Koch was a one-of-a-kind gentleman—quirky, intelligent, and interested in many topics, including not only science but also music, plays, the outdoors, and his family and friends.
The College of Arts