Mark Morris

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Mark Morris is founder and coordinator of a cluster series, “Origin and Evolution of the Cosmos and Life.” This is a series of courses taught by UCLA's most distinguished faculty - a means of introducing non-science freshmen to the ways in which all natural phenomena - astronomy, biology, and geology are interrelated.

Los Angeles Times science writer K.C. Cole notes, “this was quite a trick, to steer a core of fiercely individualistic faculty members on a common course, all the while allowing their sometimes bizarre eccentricities and highly personal passions, but Mark Morris achieves the impossible: a demanding science course that spoke to future lawyers, politicians, humanities professors, and changed forever their perception of what science is, and means.”

It can be difficult to connect with students from such diverse background as those attending UCLA, coming as they do from both exclusive private academies and inner city public schools - especially in a course for 160 freshmen. But Professor Morris insists that the course be taught so that it would be as meaningful for students with advanced placement science courses under their belt as for those who didn't know a solar system from a galaxy.

Professor Morris' dedication became legend among students when, at midnight before the midterm, a student posted a question on the class message board and Morris phoned him at his dorm room to answer it. Several other students came in from a nearby study lounge and it became an impromptu late night discussion session.

An anonymous evaluation:
“You have made a difference and I'll carry a piece of your soul throughout my life. I won't ever look at a Big Mac the same way. I won't buy a SUV. I'll definitely consider adoption. I won't forget there is beauty everywhere, even in science. I will question my path often and I will follow my heart. Thank you. I will truly miss coming to this class.”

Another letter from a student intending to major in economics:
“I became so interested in the topics discussed in class that Professor Morris sat down with me outside and talked to me for an hour. He suggested I pursue astronomy as a major. Today, I am in my last quarter at UCLA and will graduate with my degree in astrophysics, with a job at Northrop Grumman Space Technology."

It is clear that Mark Morris is not only a great teacher, but he has that unique capability of touching and changing lives.