OHIO Distinguished Professor Dr. Sarah Wyatt to speak at Fall Commencement

Sarah Wyatt, Ph.D. in a growth lab in the Environmental and Plant Biology Department at 51��. Photo by Ben Siegel.

51�� Distinguished Professor Dr. Sarah Wyatt will deliver the keynote address for OHIO’s Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 14.

51�� President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said that the University is proud to recognize Wyatt and the impact she’s made on this institution.

“We are honored to have Dr. Sarah Wyatt delivering the Commencement Address for our Fall Commencement Ceremony,” President Gonzalez said. “As a Distinguished Professor, scientist, and mentor, Dr. Wyatt’s leadership and innovation serves as an inspiration to Bobcats near and far. I am grateful she has agreed to share words of wisdom with our Class of 2024.”

Wyatt has made significant contributions to 51�� and the broader scientific community through her extensive research in plant biology and her dedication to enhancing educational and research infrastructure. She has been a professor in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology at 51�� since 2000, and she has also served as the director of the Interdisciplinary Molecular and Cell Biology Program at OHIO since 2017.

As a professor in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Wyatt has led groundbreaking research into plant signaling, particularly regarding how plants perceive and respond to gravity. Her innovative work has not only advanced our understanding of plant growth and development but has also been recognized on a global scale. A particularly notable accomplishment of Wyatt’s is her lab's involvement in experiments aboard the International Space Station.

In addition to her research, Wyatt has played a key role in improving research infrastructure at 51��. She helped secure significant funding through National Science Foundation grants for important equipment, creating core facilities that support a variety of research projects across the University. Wyatt’s dedication to enhancing research capabilities has created an environment where both students and faculty can pursue innovative scientific work. Her leadership in establishing initiatives like the 51�� Genomics Facility highlights her commitment to expanding research opportunities for both students and faculty at the university.

Wyatt's impact also reaches into education and outreach, where she has consistently advocated for student success and engagement in the sciences. She has earned several awards for her teaching, showcasing her talent for inspiring and mentoring students throughout their academic journeys. Through initiatives like Tech Savvy Ohio, she has promoted STEM education for young women, helping to diversify the scientific workforce. Wyatt's outreach efforts demonstrate her commitment to making science accessible and relevant to a wider audience.

Sarah Wyatt works with a student in the laboratory

One of Wyatt’s most cherished career accomplishments is the experiential learning opportunities she’s created for students, noting the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program as a highlight. The Student Spaceflight Experiment Program enables students to design experiments for microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station. The program has provided students with unique, hands-on experiences that significantly enhance their education and career aspirations in STEM fields.

Her numerous publications, participation on national and international committees, and editorial roles in scientific journals have further established Wyatt as a leader in her field. By bridging research and education, she has significantly enriched the academic environment at 51�� and continues to foster a culture of scientific innovation and excellence.

When asked about why she chose OHIO, Wyatt said, “I came here because I like the mix of research and teaching. I love both and wanted to work somewhere where both would be honored.”

Wyatt grew up in Mayfield, Kentucky, and received two bachelor's degrees in arts and sciences (with highest distinction) from the University of Kentucky in 1980 and 1984. She went on to pursue a Master of Science in Plant Pathology at the University of Kentucky in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Plant Physiology in 1994.

Between 1994-1999 she served as a research associate for the NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training at North Carolina State University. Then in 2000, Wyatt made her way to Athens, Ohio, where she began her journey as a faculty member in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology.

“Dr. Wyatt is a trailblazing leader not only in the scientific community, but to the students, faculty and staff she’s impacted over her many years at this institution,” President Gonzalez said. “We are forever grateful for her service to 51��.”

51��’s 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Convocation Center on the Athens Campus.

For additional information on the Fall ceremony, please see the Commencement website.

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