“From Snails to Philosophy…”

Todd Crowl, professor in the Department of Aquatic, Watershed and Earth Resources, was recognized Friday, Oct. 29, as a part of this year’s Inaugural Professor Lecture Series.

 

Crowl’s lecture was the second in the series, which honors recently promoted full professors, by giving them the opportunity to reflect on their careers with friends, family and colleagues at the university residence.

 

“We've asked each of these inaugural lecturers to comment about what got them to where they are, what the core of their research is and the value and meaning of it,” said President Kermit L. Hall. “All of the previously-featured Inaugural Professor speakers have given lectures filled with intellectual exchanges, discussion and a few good laughs.”

 

Chris Luecke, department head of Aquatic, Watershed and Earth Resource, introduced Crowl by thanking him for his unselfish service and said he is “an excellent teacher, who keeps his students on their toes.”

 

According to his lecture, From Snails to Philosophy – A Reductionist’s Approach to ‘Big Science,’ Crowl has been interested in the outdoors since he was a child and has been inspired by his great love for reading.

 

“I believe that a respect for knowledge is the main attribute that sets humans apart,” said Crowl, who received a doctorate degree in theoretical ecology and two master’s degrees, one in mathematics, the other in zoology from the University of Oklahoma.

 

According to Crowl, he is very generally oriented toward aquatic ecology and his research projects range from wetland restoration in the Colorado River drainage to tropical ecosystems research in Puerto Rico. Other projects discussed in his lecture include his research on the snail-eating habits of crayfish and his research on watersheds in New Zealand.

 

Inaugural Professors for this year include: Michael Nicholls, History; Todd Crowl, Aquatic, Watershed, and Earth Resources; Susan L. Crowley, Psychology; Chris Luecke, Aquatic, Watershed, and Earth Resources; Eddie Berry, Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology; Martha T. Dever, Elementary Education; Alvan C. Hengge, Chemistry and Biochemistry; John Walters, Libraries; Richard Cutler, Mathematics and Statistics; David Olsen, Business Information Systems; Jeannie Thomas, English; David Hole, Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology.