Penn State biology department remembers Professor Emeritus Michael Dann
The Penn State Eberly College of Science community is mourning the loss of Michael Dann, a recently retired teaching professor emeritus of biology, who died on Sept. 18, 2024.
Dann earned his three degrees from Penn State: a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s in forest resources, and a doctorate in plant physiology. He left Penn State to work as a postdoc at Cornell University and then returned as an instructor and research associate in the Department of Horticulture in 1991. Later, he became a continuing education instructor in biology for over 17 years, during which time he taught all four of the biological science courses for non-Eberly students.
In 2014, Dann became a full-time assistant teaching professor of biology, and according to John Waters, teaching professor of biology, Dann was extremely dedicated to his students.
“Michael’s dedication to his students was central to his work as an educator,” Waters said. “His office hours were always busy, and he went the extra mile to ensure every student felt heard and supported. Over his career, he served as a mentor to many students, writing hundreds of recommendation letters and guiding countless students on their academic and professional journeys.”
During his time in the Department of Biology, Dann reimagined and created new curriculum for multiple biology courses, including BIOL 141: Introduction to Human Physiology; BIOL 240W: Biology: Function and Development of Organisms; and BIOL 441: Plant Physiology. He created the Penn State World Campus version of BIOL 141: Introduction to Human Physiology, and he focused on bringing together the two sections of BIOL 240W: Biology: Function and Development of Organisms. According to Waters, Dann integrated the focuses of each individual section — both plant and animal biology — and connected them through central themes, emphasizing evolutionary history and how evolution shaped the diversity of life.
Carla Hass, teaching professor of biology, shared how Dann created an interactive curriculum for BIOL 441: Plant Physiology.
“Michael embraced the challenge of engaging prehealth students with plant biology,” she said. “He created an interactive curriculum that connected major biological themes across plants and animals, such as comparing the roles of leghemoglobin in plants and hemoglobin in animals.”
One of Dann’s former students said that his plant physiology course was “the best class ever. Dr. Dann made plant biology relevant by connecting it to what matters to us.”
Beth McGraw, professor and head of the biology department, added, “Michael was a committed and passionate teacher who had a positive impact on thousands of our biology students over the years. He was also a friend to his colleagues and will be greatly missed.”