Professor Andreas Madlung of �� Receives Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award

Faculty

Tacoma, Wash. – Professor of Biology Andreas Madlung has been named the 2024 recipient of the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This award recognizes outstanding scholarship and a commitment to inspiring scientific curiosity in students. The award was presented to Professor Madlung at the Murdock College Science Research Conference in Vancouver, Washington, on Nov. 8.

“Andreas is an incredibly passionate educator, an accomplished researcher, and a phenomenal mentor to students,” Provost Drew Kerkhoff said. “He really infuses his research into his teaching and this is across all levels of biology.”

Madlung’s research focuses on the intricate world of plant light receptors, specifically phytochromes. This enables plants to perceive light and respond to changes in their environment, influencing processes like germination, flowering, and growth.

“By understanding how plants perceive and respond to light, we can gain valuable insights into plant development and potentially develop strategies to improve crop yields and resilience in a changing climate,” Madlung said.

The Swanson Award recognizes senior faculty at predominantly undergraduate institutions in the Pacific Northwest for their exceptional research achievements, mentorship, and leadership in fostering scientific discovery. The award includes a $20,000 grant to support ongoing research, including funding for two student summer research positions. This opportunity allows students to work alongside a renowned scientist, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.

“Our faculty are very much focused on being outstanding teachers and mentors, but they also happen to be great scientists, scholars, and artists,” President Isiaah Crawford said.

Madlung’s dedication to teaching and research has earned him recognition from both students and colleagues. His innovative approach to instruction fosters a deep understanding of complex biological concepts, inspiring future generations of scientists. His research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and he has received funding from the National Science Foundation to support his work.

About ��
A nationally ranked residential liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, �� enrolls 1,600 undergraduate students from across the country and around the world, as well as 250 graduate students in education, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty members who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 50 areas of study. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Luce scholars, notables in the arts and culture, scholars and scientists, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A top producer of Fulbright scholars, Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. As part of its commitment to expanding access to higher education, Puget Sound offers the first accredited bachelor’s degree program in a prison in Washington state.

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