The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on the changing seasons, both in the natural world and here in Arts & Sciences. As the temperatures drop and the colors of the landscape change, I¹m thankful for our community. Over the past seven years, we've created a vibrant home for research and teaching, and it is a privilege to watch as our students, faculty, and staff cultivate their own interests and share them with the world.
Evolutionary biology has always captured my imagination because it is the basis for explaining all of the planet's biodiversity. I enjoy seeing the progress made by our researchers and students at Tyson Research Center, our university's nearby field station, as they begin to unravel the intricacies of the natural world. The work they do is absolutely critical to understanding the future of our planet and how environmental changes might impact our communities. And it's a valuable reminder to appreciate the diversity and strengths of our own community here in Arts & Sciences.
— Barbara A. Schaal, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Mary-Dell Chilton Distinguished Professor
