University News

Musser Named Interim Chair of WIU Department of Biological Sciences

August 29, 2016

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MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois University Professor Richard Musser has been named interim chair of the WIU Department of Biological Sciences, according to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Susan Martinelli-Fernandez.

Musser joined the faculty at Western in August 2003 in the biological sciences department and was named a WIU professor in 2012.

"Professor Musser brings enthusiasm and a dedication to his profession and his department," said Martinelli-Fernandez. "I look forward to working with Dr. Musser and thank him for his willingness to serve his department."

While at Western, Musser has been awarded more than $500,000 in state and federal grants to help with research and scholarship at Western. He has also published extensively in academic journals, authored book chapters and presented at numerous regional, state and national conferences.

Additionally, Musser is active in the Macomb community, serving as a board member for the YMCA of McDonough County and president of the McDonough County Dolphin Swim Team. In his academic field, Musser serves as the chair of the Youth, Education, Outreach Committee for the Entomological Society of America and a member of the steering committee for the International Plant Resistance to Insects Workshop.

Musser has also served as chair of the Department of Biological Sciences' personnel committee and has created a new curriculum within the department in plant-animal interactions.

Musser received his bachelor's degree from Park University in Parkville, MO; his master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and his doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas.

For additional information on the WIU Department of Biological Sciences, visit wiu.edu/biology.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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