Mark Robson, Distinguished Service Professor and specialist in entomology, Department of Plant Biology.
Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor Mark Robson (CC’77; GSNB’79, ’88; SPH’95), has been named the 2021 recipient of the university’s Daniel Gorenstein Memorial Award, which will be presented this fall. Robson was nominated for this award by Joanna Burger, Distinguished Professor of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, and affiliate faculty in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
According to Prabhas V. Moghe, executive vice president for academic affairs, the Daniel Gorenstein Memorial Award was established in 1993 to commemorate Professor Gorenstein’s innovative mathematical research, his skillful and enthusiastic exposition of his field, and his wise and devoted service to Rutgers University. The award is given each year to a Rutgers University faculty member noted for both outstanding scholarly achievement and exceptional service to the university. Robson joins a rich slate of exceptional Rutgers faculty honorees and will be the 28th recipient of this award.
Robson is a professor in the Department of Plant Biology, and Edward J. Bloustein School Senior Policy Fellow in Global Health Policy and Practice. An internationally recognized scholar in environmental risk assessment and toxicology, he has focused his studies on the health effects of agricultural chemicals and food production practices in developing countries, which have resulted in important policy changes regarding the safe use of pesticides. His scholarly work has been recognized by numerous awards, such as the Constance Mehlman Award from the International Society of Exposure Science. An elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), Robson has also been inducted as Fellow by the Academy of Toxicological Sciences and the prestigious Collegium Ramazzini in Italy.
Professor Robson has been a leader in the Rutgers University community for decades. His spirited commitment to his students through advising and mentoring is particularly extraordinary. He is heavily involved in Rutgers Global activities and previously served as Co-chair of the Faculty Engagement Committee. Beyond serving on countless departmental, school, and university-wide committees, he also serves as Faculty Director of the Byrne Seminars and is on the editorial board of the Rutgers University Press, currently serving as Chair of the Press Council. He has received many honors for his service and teaching, including the Clement A. Price Human Dignity Award, Faculty-Scholar Teaching Award, Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching, UMDNJ Foundation Teaching Award, and the Chancellor’s Award for Global Impact at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, among many others. Robson’s service beyond the university is equally impressive and includes his stewardship on many boards, commissions, and councils that relate to environmental and agricultural health.
Robson wonderfully captures the multiple ideals of this singular recognition named in honor of a scholar and intellectual who has made deep and lasting contributions to Rutgers and the world.
