Virginia Tech Scholar of the Week
The Office of the Vice President for Research recognizes Mark V. Barrow Jr., associate professor of history, for his research on the intersection between the history of natural history, wildlife conservation, and American culture.
For the last several years, Barrow has been studying the changing attitudes toward human-induced extinction, primarily in the U.S., from the 18th century to the endangered Species Act of 1973. His most recent book, Nature's Ghosts: Confronting Extinction from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of Ecology (University of Chicago Press, 2009), looks at how naturalists have engaged with the issue of human-induced wildlife extinction over the last two centuries.
He is also pursuing research on the cultural and environmental history of the American alligator. An article, "Dragons in Distress: Naturalists as Bioactivists in the Campaign to Save the American Alligator," appeared in the Journal of the History of Biology in March 2009.
Science and Technology Studies bio
Book review of A Passion for Birds: American Ornithology after Audubon
Book review of Nature's Ghosts
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Nominate a Scholar of the Week
The goals of the Scholar of the Week are to recognize individuals while also telling people about research and scholarly activities at the university.
Recognition is based on research and/or scholarship.
Please nominate individuals — not teams, groups, or more than one person.
Please provide a sentence describing the research, scholarship, or creative work in non-technical, generally accessible language. A second sentence with an example or application is helpful.
Send nominations to: Susan Trulove, Communication Manager, Office of the Vice President for Research. Feel free to call or e-mail Susan if you have questions. 540/231-5646.