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UT Tyler Biology Professor Recognized by International Association for Outstanding Research Contributions

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June 3, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
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Professor of biology Dr. Neil Ford has received the 2016 Donald W. Tinkle Research Excellence Award by the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, Dr. Martin Slann, The University of Texas at Tyler College of Arts and Sciences dean, announced.

The Tinkle Research Excellence Award is presented to a scientist who, in the past 10 years, has made a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the biota of the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America through scientific articles and books. The significance of these written works, both in their quality and quantity, are selection factors. Ford will be recognized at the association's annual meeting next year in Lawton, Oklahoma.

"The Tinkle Award is only the latest but most deserved recognition of Dr. Ford's many scholarly accomplishments," said Slann. "Dr. Ford's three and one half decades of meritorious service to UT Tyler is extraordinary for its excellence in teaching and research."

Serving UT Tyler since 1979, Ford conducts research into behavior, life history and ecology of snakes and lizards as well as the community ecology of freshwater mussels. His field work has been concentrated in the southwestern United States, but his collaborative efforts have reached as far as Israel and Australia. Ford's research also has resulted in the publication of dozens of journal articles and book chapters, and he is the co-author of the 1996 book, Garter Snakes of North America.

Among other accolades, Ford was the college's inaugural Distinguished Professor in 2013. He also received the 2003 President's Scholarly Achievement Award and was named a 1996 elected Fellow of the Texas Academy of Science.

In addition, Ford is highly lauded by his colleagues for his teaching abilities. He has mentored countless students, and Ford also has served as a faculty adviser for 20 graduate students.

"Dr. Ford is a campus treasure and an inspiration to the thousands of undergraduate and graduate students who have enjoyed the honor of his courses," Slann added.

Ford holds a master's degree in zoology from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in zoology from Miami University in Ohio.

The Southwestern Association of Naturalists is an international association of scientists, educators and students founded in 1953 to promote the field study of plants and animals – both living and fossil – in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America.

The UT Tyler Department of Biology offers diverse undergraduate and graduate studies in life sciences for a wide range of career paths, from biology, biotechnology and medical technology to medicine, dentistry and education.
For more information, visit uttyler.edu/biology/.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.