Richard Dixon, Distinguished Research Professor of biology, earned the Phytochemical Society of North America's Phytochemical Pioneer Award this summer in recognition of his contributions to the field of plant sciences.

A member of the National Academy of Sciences, he serves on a National Research Council committee examining the history, safety, benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified crops around the world. In October, he will begin serving as president of the American Society of Plant Biologists after serving as president-elect for the past year.