Dean Murray Isman Bursary in Plant Science

For many students, bursaries are the only way to achieve their academic goals.

Project Description

Bursaries are particularly needed to ensure that students from a wide range of backgrounds can attend university, and gain the scientific and technical skills that Canada’s economy urgently needs. In honour of Dean Emeritus Murray Isman (B.Sc. 1975, M.Sc. 1977), friends and alumni are raising funds for a new graduate student bursary in Plant Science for the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Preference will be given to students studying entomology or plant protection. Dr. Isman was Dean of UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems from 2006–2014, and was a leading researcher for over 40 years in the areas of insect toxicology and behaviour, with particular emphasis on the discovery and development of botanical insecticides.

Challenges and Impact of Your Support

Bursaries are designed to help fill the gap between students’ assessed educational and living costs. Bursaries issued by the university are applied first toward tuition and student fees.

About Dr. Murray Isman

Dr. Murray Isman was hired in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems in 1983 – then known as the Faculty of Agriculture – as an Assistant Professor of Entomology and Toxicology in the Department of Plant Science. An internationally recognized scientist, he built strong relationships with industry and government through his research activities. His laboratory research focused on the discovery and development of botanical pesticides and antifeedants, and their impacts on target and non-target organisms. He served as a consultant and advisor to several pesticide companies and was considered a world authority on natural insecticides derived from plants.

Murray was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher and shared his love of insects with his students, teaching courses in entomology, environmental toxicology and integrated pest management. He served on several important cross-campus committees such as the Senior Appointments Committee (including one year as Chair), the Research Awareness Committee, the Awards and Prizes Committee and the Graduate Council. He won numerous awards, including the Entomological Society of Canada’s Gold Medal for outstanding achievement in Canadian entomology, in 2011.

Murray was appointed Dean pro tem of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems on July 1, 2005. He served as Dean from July 1, 2006 until Sept 30, 2014. Under his leadership as Dean, the Faculty saw tremendous changes, including launching three professional master’s programs and hiring 14 faculty members. The number of undergraduate students rose by 40% and the number of international students studying with our Faculty doubled.