ACS Monterey Bay Program for February 2006
Professor Ken Norris (1924-1998): scientist/teacher extraordinaire, from desert reptiles to Spinner dolphins in Hawaii and many stops in between
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Ken Norris, internationally known for his research in
cetaceans, especially dolphins, also never lost his interest in the desert
and continued to pass on to UCSC undergraduates his love for desert biology,
by taking a busload to the UC Natural Research Reserve in the Mojave desert
each spring. Memories of which stayed with many for the rest of their
lives.
He is known for so much that was innovative in cetacean research especially
the discovery of echolocation in dolphins. He wrote the first description
of a new species, Vaquita. He came from UCLA, where he received his Ph.
D. to UCSC in 1972 and set up the Marine Mammal Research Program there
and was very much involved with the tuna/dolphin issue including research
on why these two species are so closely associated. He helped found Marine
Land of the Pacific. He was involved with so much more and his influence
continues on through his contact with colleagues and his many students
who have gone on in their own lives to further the course of research.
He was a man of many parts, scientist, gifted writer, outside-the-box
thinker, raconteur, lover of good wine. A friendly man who was never too
busy to stop and talk and a man with a tremendous, infectious enthusiasm
for his subject.
His books include "The Porpoise Watcher" (1974) and "Dolphin days: the
life and times of a Spinner Dolphin" (1991). This was a John Burroughs
Medal winner.
Our speaker was one of his last graduate students and has many interesting
and fond tales to tell.
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Last updated March 3, 2006.