Distinguished Professor in Science Education Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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William McComas receives the "Honorary Member" lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Biology Teachers at the annual conference in Baltimore on Nov. 4.

The National Association of Biology Teachers named professor William McComas an "Honorary Member," the highest honor bestowed by the organization recognizing a lifetime of achievement and service to the association, at the annual conference in Baltimore on Nov. 4.

McComas, a professor of science education and inaugural holder of the Parks Family Endowed Professorship in Science Education in the College of Education and Health Professions, earned the award for a lifetime of exemplary service to the organization and its peer-reviewed journal, The American Biology Teacher, as editor for the past 10 years.

"I joined NABT in 1980 when I was a high school biology teacher and almost immediately started attending conferences," McComas said. "Young professionals should recognize that their peers may be found within their working group but may just as likely be found elsewhere. Looking up and out for inspiration and opportunities for growth and service remain very important."

"Everyone should look for examples that will drive one to become better in their profession," he added.  "It's that old adage, 'hitch your wagon to a star,' but you have to know where the stars are. I believe that these professional organizations, in every endeavor, can be a source of that inspiration."

In his time as the editor of The American Biology Teacher, which he considers the "most gratifying" role he's held within the organization, McComas has implemented a novel and "richer" peer-review system that inserts a reviewing editor between the author and peer-reviewers. The reviewing editor collects and prioritizes all the notes from peer-reviewers and sends them to authors as one list of requested enhancements. According to McComas, this has significantly helped increase the acceptance rate for authors because it is so easy for them to make the necessary changes.

Aside from his editing expertise, McComas has written for the journal and, even before his time as editor, regularly applied his photography skills, now having contributed nearly 60 natural history images for its full-color cover.

"Bill's impact is hard to overstate," the National Association of Biology Teachers said in a press release. "He is the expert on the 'nature of science,' and his articles, talks and books have transformed science education."

McComas' journey in life science education began as a high school biology and physical sciences teacher in suburban Philadelphia. He earned a doctoral degree in science education from the University of Iowa before heading to the University of Southern California as a professor. After a 14-year stint at USC, McComas arrived at the U of A in 2006. He has served in many different roles, including director of the Project to Advance Science Education and vice chair of the Faculty Senate, and taught a wide range of courses, such as Introduction to the Professoriate, The History and Philosophy of Science for Science Educators, Advanced Science Teaching Methods and Museum Matters, an introduction to museology class offered this spring in partnership with five departments across campus.