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Saint Louis University

Dr. Dorothy Feir, professor of biology, is this year's Saint Louis University "Woman of the Year." She will be honored by the Women's Commission at a luncheon April 23 in the St. Louis Room of Busch Memorial Center.

"It's really very, very flattering, and I'm very honored to receive this," she said.

Feir joined the University in 1961. Within three years she was promoted to associate professor, and in three more years she became full professor. She has taught courses in physiology, comparative physiology, entomology, biochemistry, immunobiology, body fluids, immunology and other hard sciences.

Feir was the first woman to be elected to the governing board of the Entomological Society of America, serving from 1981 to 1984, and she was elected its first female president in 1989. "I was the first woman president of the Entomological Society of America, which has about 8,500 members, and I was really proud of that," Feir said. "I also was the first woman faculty member in the biology department here."

Feir has received research grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Cancer Research Institution, Monsanto and many others. In 1993, she was elected a Fellow of the Missouri Academy of Sciences, and in 1995 she was awarded the MAS Most Distinguished Scientist Award.

Students are an inspiration for Feir. In addition to her research, Feir is an outstanding teacher and mentor. She has overseen 26 master's theses and 15 doctoral dissertations during her career at the University. "The students have been the most important and most pleasant part of my time here at Saint Louis University," she said. "I've kept in touch with a lot of my masters and Ph.D. students, and that has added a dimension to my life that I really enjoy."

As the letter nominating her indicated, Feir's excellent work distinguishes her within her field:

• "She has served our university and the local, national and international scientific community with great distinction. There is certainly no question that she is one of the most distinguished entomologists in this country."

• "Dorothy investigated the transmission of Lyme disease by native Missouri ticks. She did this with little assistance or encouragement, and sometimes opposition, from other designated health officials. Dorothy has continually maintained a benevolent posture in the community."

• "She gladly gives of herself in the pursuit of helping others advance their own careers or studies. In her dedication to science, public health and the advancement of others' professional lives, she has clearly embodied the highest principles of the Saint Louis University philosophy."

Feir said she has enjoyed her 37 years at Saint Louis University. "There is always something new to learn," she said. "If you come across something that isn't in your field, there is an expert right here on campus to help you. This makes for a stimulating environment in which to work."