LUKE DOLLAR

BIOLO

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LUKE DOLLAR

Associate Professor of Biology

B.S., Duke University Ph.D., Duke University

I can build a bridge from the small college experience to universities around the world and organizations like National Geographic. How great is that?

Luke

You conduct research on the fossa, an animal found only in the jungles of Madagascar. How do Pfeiffer students get involved? I take three to six undergrads to Madagascar with me each year. These are the most outstanding students in my classes the ones who demonstrate an exceptional aptitude for the work. Field biology isnt the glee club. Its tough and it requires a pretty special candidate. When these students get involved in my research they actually multiply my own lifetime productivity, too.

What else happens during your research trips? Research is about 50 percent of what we do in Madagascar. The other half is conservation and development, for instance, working on managing invasive plants and animals like wild feral dogs in the forests and hyacinths in the water. We also work with local women to develop channels for sustainable tourism. Were doing a lot not just in terms of research but in outreach efforts, both with long-term trajectories.

National Geographic invited you to join their Emerging Explorers program. Whats that all about? Being a National Geographic Explorer creates a unique bridge between science and media, bringing stories like mine to students and the general public alike to expose them to role models in the science community. Movie stars and pop singers are great, but theres no reason we cant also present scientists, explorers, teachers, and professors as potential rock stars for young people to emulate.

What are your classes like? My courses are run with the understanding and total acceptance that most students may not remember all the individual facts, but will learn how to synthesize information in a variety of formats and really learn to think. For instance, I might give you a brand new journal article and say, You have 45 minutes to synthesize and create a five-minute presentation. It will make you better at whatever you do in the future. Good grades in my courses mean youre a hard worker and that you can think on your feet.

You could teach anywhere. Why Pfeiffer? Having grown up in Jasper, Alabama I guessIm a small-town guy. I appreciate being able togive students that direct boost of exposure andpreparation that happens at a place like Pfeiffer.I can build a bridge from the small college experienceto universities around the world and organizations likeNational Geographic. Thats the best of all worlds a close knit community with the world at its fingertips!