Industry Tributes

“E.O. Wilson’s contributions to the understanding of social insects, especially ants, have had a major impact on our thinking about sociobiology and the biodiversity of insects. Since many of the ant pests that urban entomologists deal with are invasive, it is important that we focus on selective and targeted approaches for their control. I think this targeted approach is something that E.O. Wilson would appreciate and could have supported.” – Dr. Michael Rust, Distinguished Professor of Entomology, University of California Riverside

“E.O. Wilson is most famous for his work on the biological basis of all social behavior (sociobiology) using ants as his model or study organism. Perhaps his most seminal work was the book, The Ants, co-authored with Bert Hölldobler, although his 1998 book, Consilience, was widely read among biologists (not just entomologists). It became required reading for biology students at many colleges worldwide.” – Dr. Jerome Goddard, Extension Professor, Mississippi State University

“I always enjoyed his talks at entomology meetings, and had the pleasure of discussing some of Purdue University's ant research with him. His scientific knowledge and practical experience with ants were amazing. He used his knowledge of ant behavior to address not only ant species (Pulitzer Prize for his book The Ants), but also human behavior (Pulitzer Prize for his book On Human Nature). – Dr. Gary Bennett, Professor (Retired), Purdue University

“Wilson’s book, The Insect Societies, had a great impact on my studies and it’s one of the few college textbooks still on my bookshelf.” – Gary Curl, Co-Owner, Specialty Consultants

“Dr. Wilson had little supervision during his childhood, allowing him to wander and explore outdoors. I believe his childhood required him to be self-reliant and did not require others’ approval or acceptance, which laid the foundation for his independent thought-processing.” – Dr. Karen Vail, Professor, University of Tennessee

“I met E.O. Wilson in the early 1970s while attending college at the University of California – Berkeley. Since then, I’ve interacted with him briefly at ESA meetings, and he’s always been a real gentleman and very approachable.” – Dr. Roger Gold, Professor (Retired), Texas A&M University

“He cared deeply about this planet and believed future generations would not forgive us if we failed to preserve the planet’s current species richness. He inspires us to do our part in preserving biodiversity and protecting this planet and will continue to do so long after his death.” – Dr. Karen Vail, Professor, University of Tennessee

“I have had only a very few interactions with Dr. Wilson, and during each one, I was impressed with his kindness and humility. For example, a professor in my department … called Dr. Wilson one time to ask him to speak at our statewide entomology meeting, not realizing someone with the stature of E.O. Wilson would never speak at a local bug meeting. That professor told me that Dr. Wilson returned his phone call, and was kind and gracious, even though he declined the invitation.” – Dr. Jerome Goddard, Extension Professor, Mississippi State University