Biology Professor Named Teacher of the Year

Jun 10, 2011
From right, Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton , congratulates Michael A. Hardisky, Ph.D., professor of biology, in being selected as Teacher of the Year by Scranton’s Class of 2011.
From right, Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton , congratulates Michael A. Hardisky, Ph.D., professor of biology, in being selected as Teacher of the Year by Scranton’s Class of 2011.

            Michael A. Hardisky, Ph.D., professor of biology, has been named Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s Class of 2011. “I am really surprised and humbled by this award from my students,” he said.

            The award honors a faculty member who maintains high standards of academic excellence and fairness, and through enthusiasm and dedication, inspires the interest of students in a field of education. The award was instituted by the academic support committee of the University’s Faculty Senate in 1996.

            A native of Tunkhannock, Dr. Hardisky joined The University of Scranton Biology Department in 1984. His research at the University began with satellite remote sensing of methane emissions from wetlands – which was funded by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Currently he is involved in researching the production of biofuels from vegetation. He served for nine years as the chair of the Biology Department.

            Dr. Hardisky was recently inducted into the University’s chapter of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, and he has served on Scranton’s Health Professions Evaluation Committee for many years, assisting students on their path to medical school.

            A board member of the Tree of Life Rescue, Dr. Hardisky has also served as a 4-H livestock leader for more than 20 years. He runs a 100-head sheep farm, enjoys cooking on a wood fire, and is responsible for the annual Biology Department Pig Roast. His four children are all involved in the health or life sciences fields: a biology teacher, a practicing veterinarian and two veterinary students.

            Dr. Hardisky completed an undergraduate degree in biology from Lebanon Valley College in 1975. He then worked for the University of Georgia as a research technician  and for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries manager, coastal zone planner and shrimp fisherman. He earned his graduate degrees at the University of Delaware in ocean engineering and marine studies.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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