Drew to Spotlight Science in Honor of Late Professor
MADISON, NJ—On October 12, the sciences will take center stage at Drew University in honor of the late Joy B. Phillips, a popular biology professor who taught and mentored Drew students for over three decades. Events dedicated to Dr. Phillips’ memory, which will be held throughout the day, include a panel discussion on the cutting-edge research of the Drew science faculty, a showcase of Drew students’ summer research projects and a buffet dinner in Mead Hall.
“Professor Phillips provided for me the defining educational experience that has shaped my career,” said Ronald Ross, a former Drew student and the university’s current dean of continuing education. “I am forever in her debt.”
Phillips, a developmental biologist, was a professor of zoology at Drew from 1952 to 1986. During her three-decade-long career, she became known for her Vertebrate Form and Function course, a favorite among her students. She also taught courses in Comparative Anatomy, Embryology and Histology. Her publications include two books: “Development of Vertebrate Anatomy” and “Biological Basis of Human Sexuality.” She held a bachelor’s degree from James Milliken University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a PhD from New York University.
“Just as Dr. Phillips is an important part of the history of science at Drew, she is also of equal importance to its future,” said Ross. “Through her estate, the university will receive an extremely generous gift, which will improve science education for Drew students in the decades ahead.”
Future science students who would benefit from Phillips’ bequest will be on the Drew campus on October 12 for the school’s Science Day Open House, a program designed for college-bound high school students interested in a scientific course of study at Drew. Holding the open house and the celebration of Phillips’ career on the same day, according to Ross, is a fitting tribute.
The first of three events in Phillips’ honor, a showcase of Drew students’ summer research, will begin at 2:15 p.m. in Mead Hall. All student presenters were participants in last season’s Drew Summer Science Institute, a hands-on research program for undergraduates. Their projects focused on such topics as learning and memory, air pollution and antibiotic drugs.
At 4:30 p.m. in room 4 in the Hall of Sciences, the program will continue with a talk featuring biology professors Roger Knowles, Stephen Dunaway and David Miyamoto. The three will speak on their respective research endeavors, which include topics like Alzheimer’s disease, cell division in cancer patients and embryonic development.
The celebration of Dr. Phillips’ life and career will conclude with a 6:00 p.m. buffet dinner in Mead Hall.
For more information about the events honoring Dr. Phillips, please contact Ronald Ross at 973/408-3210 or at rross@drew.edu. To register for the 6:00 p.m. dinner, please contact Blake Putnam at 973/408-3733 or at bputnam@drew.edu. To learn more about the Science Day Open House, please call 973/408-DREW or visit drew.edu/cla/scienceday.aspx.
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Posted: October 5, 2009
