Warren “abe” Abrahamson is a rockstar in plant-insect interactions, the world’s expert on goldenrod, and a wonderful person to talk with. EEB PhD student Emma Dawson-Glass, undergrad Peter Falb, and EEB Chair Nate Sanders had the opportunity to sit down for a long conversation that spanned from his Michigan college life in the ‘60s to the importance of mentoring and the future of biology.
An esteemed educator and prolific researcher, Dr. Abrahamson held the endowed David Burpee Chair in Plant Genetics at Bucknell University for nearly three decades. A dedicated Research Associate of Archbold Biological Station since 1976, he has published over 170 scientific articles and two books, mentored 21 post-doctoral fellows, and earned numerous accolades, including being elected to be a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2008. His research spans various ecological and evolutionary topics, focusing on the interactions among host plants, their herbivores, and natural enemies and the dynamics of Florida Scrub vegetation. Renowned for his conservation efforts and recognized with multiple awards, Dr. Abrahamson continues to engage passionately in research, land management, and education in his retirement, all while enjoying pursuits such as land conservation, antique farm machinery, and world travel.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: I came to Michigan with one goal: to graduate. I'm a first-generation college graduate from Ludington, a fairly rural area. Michigan was the only place I applied because my cousin, David Dennison, spoke highly of it. He worked on the Manhattan Project and even had a building named after him. I arrived here in 1965, inspired by the incredible support and opportunities.
Q: What classes do you remember? Which faculty?
A: My first memory on campus was the summer orientation. It was exciting but also stressful; you had to get your course schedule sorted. I lived in East Quad, in Anderson House. One significant course was Dendrology with Warren Wagner and Burton Barnes. Wagner’s lectures were incredibly engaging – he was an entertainer. Another pivotal course was Organic Evolution with Arnold Kluge and Otto Solberg, even though a computer failure led me to a life-changing 15-minute conversation with Solberg, who offered me a summer job.
Q: Who were some of the key mentors during your early years, and what roles did they play in your development as a researcher and academic?
A: Otto Solberg and Warren Wagner were vital mentors. Solberg provided opportunities but wasn’t hands-on; he let you either succeed or fail on your own. Wagner was an engaging model teacher. Also, Ed Voss was crucial, especially during the Vietnam War era, when he advised me on potential conscientious objection and medical deferment, significantly altering my life path.
Q: What research did you work on here? Describe the path that led you there.
A: My research journey began with a summer job at the Botanical Gardens, which resulted in my first publication. I was tasked with analyzing plant chemicals for systematic purposes, focusing on species of Asters collected from different elevations and latitudes. This hands-on experience opened my eyes to the possibilities in academia.
Q: How did your experience as an undergraduate researcher in Michigan shape your trajectory?
A: My time as an undergraduate researcher at Michigan was transformative. The experience of being treated as a colleague by Herb Wagner and other faculty members made me realize I could carve out a career in academia. Courses and summer research solidified my interest in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Q: How did your experience as an undergraduate researcher shape the way you approached mentorship as a scientist?
A: The mentors at Michigan taught me the importance of giving opportunities and sharing life experiences. At Bucknell University, where I spent 40 years, we prided ourselves on engaging undergraduates in the process of science. I often shared my own experiences from Michigan to inspire students. I wanted my postdocs to be part of the department, requiring them to teach one course a year to integrate them into the academic community.
Q: If you could give advice to yourself as an undergraduate student, what would it be? What about advice to students today?
A: My advice would be to seize opportunities and be open to different directions. Find a place and group where your interests align. Visit potential graduate programs, talk to faculty and grad students, and look for strong support systems. Find a place that feels like home and offers good mentorship.
Q: What are some things you miss about being a student at Michigan/in Ann Arbor?
A: I miss the incredible mentors and the sense of being part of a vibrant academic community. The natural surroundings and the old forests near campus were also special.
Q: What makes you excited about the future of biology, and how do you feel like students at Michigan could be a part of that?
A: I'm excited about interdisciplinary collaboration in solving ecological problems. I've seen the power of connecting various sectors and expertise in projects like the Florida Wildlife Corridor Project. Students at Michigan should embrace this collaborative approach to address global environmental challenges.
Q: Any final thoughts on your academic journey?
A: Science isn’t just facts; it’s a process. Engage in this process, learn from failures, and appreciate the journey. Sharing knowledge and mentoring others is immensely fulfilling and vital for scientific progress. Michigan played a crucial role in shaping my career, and it continues to provide a solid foundation for future scientists.
Image: Dr. Abrahamnson talking to EEB student Peter Falb in front of the plant species he studied over his career: goldenrod (Solidago). From our alumnus being the world’s expert on it to our current faculty and PhD students studying it (Dr. Mia Howard, PhD student Julia Eckberg, and Dr. Nate Sanders), maybe one day we’ll have only goldenrods outside of our building!
