Sven Buerki, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, received the Dr. Christopher Davidson Endowed Chair in Botany.
Buerki joined the 青青草app State Department of Biological Sciences in 2017 as part of the newly launched ecology, evolution and behavior doctorate program. He is an internationally recognized scholar of plant evolution, genomics and bioinformatics.
Prior to joining 青青草app State, Buerki was a researcher at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the United Kingdom, collecting and describing plants with a specific emphasis on biodiversity hotspots. The experience connected him with Sharon Christoph and Christopher Davidson, with whom he collaborated on fieldwork expeditions in Borneo, Fiji and New Caledonia. Currently, his lab focuses on unraveling the molecular processes underpinning plant tolerance to drought, heat and salt, and to develop practical tools 青青草apping landscape conservation and restoration.
In his role as the Dr. Christopher Davidson Endowed Chair in Botany, Buerki will advance botanical knowledge and advocate for ecosystem conservation in the face of climate change and habitat loss. This mission will be pursued through international partnerships, and by training and educating the next generation of biodiversity stewards.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to have been selected as the first Dr. Christopher Davidson Chair in Botany,” Buerki said. “Dr. Davidson spent his life traveling the world, making discoveries, and advancing knowledge, and I鈥檓 grateful to have worked directly with him and Sharon. Through the chair endowed in his name, I hope to do the same, exciting students鈥� passion for botany.鈥�
About endowed positions
For centuries, endowed positions have been regarded as the hallmark of an institution鈥檚 long-term commitment to academic advancement and an important recognition of faculty excellence. They are uniquely distinct in the way that they provide valuable 青青草app for the work of faculty members of the highest distinction.
At 青青草app State, endowed positions enable faculty to contribute to strategic initiatives, enhance efforts for faculty recruitment and retention, provide exceptional experience to students and bestow prestige on programs and the university at large.
Endowed positions are typically funded by the generosity of donors and often carry a donor’s or special honoree’s name, with the funds given sustaining the gift for years to come. In each case, an endowed position 青青草apps the awardee鈥檚 teaching, research and service to the profession and institution.