Karen L. M. Martin Ph.D. ’89

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Even if Karen Martin had not conducted landmark research in biology, she would still be leaving an indelible mark on UCLA. An exemplary scholar whose work has far-reaching implications in the study of evolution, she not only organized the Environmental Biology Association and got it funded, but was also the driving force behind the organization of several graduate student seminar series and served on key committees in the Department of Biology. Even more significant, she proved herself so effective as a teaching assistant that she was made campus wide TA consultant, serving as an advisor to faculty and TAs in 30 departments across campus.

Martin’s scholarship has made remarkable contributions to a wide range of subjects. Her work has been presented at national meetings and cited in various scientific publications, and she was accorded the rare honor of being invited to join the Evolution Group of the Committee for the Study of Evolution and Origin of Life. Her accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards, and she regularly participates in academic groups on and off campus. Those who know her seldom mention her scholarship without also citing her enthusiasm, leadership and open-mindedness. It is those qualities, as much as her tireless pursuit of academic excellence, that life behind her memorable tenure at UCLA.