Asim Esen honored with emeritus status
Asim Esen of Blacksburg, professor of biological sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, was conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting on Nov. 3.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university and who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1975, Esen is recognized internationally for his work in plant molecular biology and biochemistry. He and his graduate students have presented papers at professional meetings and special symposia all over the world. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications including book chapters, symposia proceedings, popular articles, and peer-reviewed journal articles. He has been principal investigator or co-principle investigator on multiple sponsored research projects with a value in excess of $2.8 million.
As a member of the Department of Biological Sciences, Esen has taught seven different courses ranging from freshman biology to graduate courses in genetics and has taught the sophomore level course, Introductory Genetics, for all of his 33 years at Virginia Tech.
He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of California at Riverside.
