Honored by Peers

Marion Scholarship Created in Department of Biology

Tom DiLorenzo, Ken Marion, Vicki Marion, Martin Nowak, Lee DuBois, and Jennifer Ellison

Lee DuBois, M.D., Richard Morgan, M.D., and Martin Nowak, along with other generous alumni and friends of the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB, have established an endowed scholarship in honor of longtime faculty member Ken R. Marion, M.D., professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Biology. Marion has made substantial contributions to the field of biology, the growth and development of the Department of Biology at UAB, and the education of countless students during his nearly 40 years of service on the faculty.

“This scholarship is a wonderful way to recognize the many contributions that Dr. Marion made to the Department of Biology and to UAB throughout his many years,” says Thomas DiLorenzo, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “His dedication to students is evident, and this scholarship is a fitting testament to that commitment because it will allow us to provide vital financial support to outstanding students in the department. We are grateful to the many donors who have helped us honor Dr. Marion in this way.”

Marion was recruited to the faculty of UAB in 1971, was named associate professor in 1974, attained full professor status in 1987, and was named chair in 2000. His field and laboratory research efforts are focused on animal natural history and aquatic environmental biology. His natural history studies on varying species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and marine invertebrates generally emphasize reproductive cycles, life history strategies, and population dynamics, and many of his investigations have been performed to provide basic biological and/or population information on potentially threatened species or those of possible economic importance.

Highly regarded in his field, Marion has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications. He has trained generations of undergraduate and graduate students, mentoring many doctoral candidates and other aspiring researchers and academicians, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and have made substantial contributions to science.