Michael Steele, professor of biology, received the Wilkes University Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. The award, established in 2023, was presented to Steele in recognition of his dedication to teaching and research.
“Mike has a remarkable record of service to the University and an unparalleled record of scholarship,” noted Jeff Stratford, professor of biology, in his nomination letter.
Steele joined Wilkes in 1989 as a mammalogist and behavioral scientist. His areas of research include evolutionary ecology, plant-herbivore interactions, foraging behavior, seed predation, seed dispersal and behavioral, population and community ecology of vertebrates.
Students often join in on Steele’s research, publications and presentations. He encourages them to volunteer as first-year students and gives them additional responsibility if they stick with the team. Steele also collaborates with colleagues nationally and internationally, from countries including China and Poland. “His reputation has put Wilkes on the map and he deserves recognition for it,” noted Stratford.
Throughout his career, Steele has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Nature Plants, New Phytologist, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Communications. He has authored four books, edited one and served as editor for five volumes of Integrative Zoology. According to Google Scholar, Steele’s works have been cited more than 5,000 times.
Steele also has an impressive record of securing external funding from state and federal sources including the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. These funds total more than $5 million and have gone to support Steele’s research as well as the purchase of instruments and equipment for the Biology Department.
“For nearly 40 years, Mike Steele has devoted himself to his colleagues and the students fortunate enough to sit in his classes or work in his labs. Steele continues to share his expertise through his teaching, his research and publications,” said David M. Ward, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “In addition, he’s transformed the research landscape on campus by securing grant funding. We are grateful for the lasting legacy that Steele’s body of work will leave at Wilkes University.”
The recognition also provided a moment for Steele to reflect on his role in the academic and research environment at Wilkes. “I am deeply honored to have received this award, Steele said. “It serves as a sound reminder of how, over the last several decades, Wilkes has emerged as a leading institution at integrating research in the undergraduate experience. It has been a true honor to participate in this process with so many other faculty scholars.”
