The Ecological Society of America has presented Nat Wheelwright, Bowdoin’s Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Natural Sciences, with an award recognizing his “outstanding contributions to ecology” through teaching and mentoring. It was only the second time the society has given the teaching award to a faculty member of an undergraduate college.

Wheelwright received the Eugene P. Odum Education Award on August 10 at a ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was recognized with eight other ecologists for their contributions to the field. About 4,000 people attended the event.

The Ecological Society of America praised Wheelwright for inspiring 49 students during his 29 years of teaching to pursue Ph.D.s in ecology or related fields. He has also co-authored peer-reviewed papers with more than 25 undergraduates. Read more about Wheelwright and the ESA.