Lois F. Nellis '46

Professor Emerita of Biology
1948-1995

Lois F. Nellis '46, professor emerita of biology, is a widely published expert on bacteria and microbiology who has earned a number of grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health and other prominent research organizations. A biology and chemistry major, Nellis graduated from William Smith, cum laude with Honors, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Epsilon Pi Sigma and Phi Sigma Iota in science and modern languages. She was involved with William Smith Congress and Schola Cantorum. She went on to earn her M.A. from Smith College in bacteriology and public health, and her Ph.D. from Purdue University in microbiology. A member of the American Society of Microbiologists, Nellis taught at the Colleges from 1948 to 1995. Deeply involved in faculty committees, local organizations and professional organizations, Nellis was recognized by William Smith in 1963 for excellence in her fields and for her loyalty and service to her alma mater.

A devoted scientist who also put "her life and energy into teaching" and was "outstanding in the lab," Nellis was nominated by former students who fondly acknowledged her "ability to break complex ideas into simple blocks for learning" and her "enthusiasm in teaching style."

DFA RECIPIENTS

2019

James L. Spates P'00, P'09

2018

Elena Ciletti

Patrick A. McGuire L.H.D.'12

2017

Jim Crenner

Benjamin Daise*

Maureen Flynn P'09, P'12, P'16*

2016

Roger Farrand '49, P'78*

Lois F. Nellis '46*

Ann B. Oaks '74, P'84, P'85, P'89

2014

Claudette Kemper Columbus

2013

Nicholas V. D'Angelo P'98*

2012

Peter R. Beckman

Leonard Lawson L.H.D. '68*

Tom Millington

John George Van Deusen P'43*

2011

Mary Gerhart

Joel Kerlan, P'89

Deborah Tall*

2010

Joseph N. Abraham, L.H.D. '81*

Donald L. Woodrow P'83, GP'15

2008

Valerie C. Saiving

William G. Hosking '47, P'74*

2007

Walter A. Ralls

2006

Valerie Kish

Frank O’Laughlin*

2004

John Loftus P'75, P'76, P'91*

Toni Flores P'94*

2003

Richard Heaton P'86*

Marvin Bram P'91, L.H.D. ’99

2002

Joseph DiGangi

Eugene F. Murphy P'74, L.H.D. '90*

2001

Ralph Bullard*

Kenneth Carle P'82, P'84, P'90

2000

Benjamin P. Atkinson, L.H.D. '86*

Otto Eugene Schoen-René*

John Lydenberg*

Lindsay A. J. Lafford P'65, P'71, L.H.D. '87*

1999

Robert A. Huff*

1998

Theodore Tellefsen Odell '20, Sc. D.'67*

Irving O. Bentsen '54

1997

Charles Delamater Vail '59, L.H.D.'04*

John Archer Silver*

Charles John Rose '76*

Francis Phillip Nash*

Joseph H. McDaniels, LL.D. '11*

1996

Abigail Mosey*

Brooks Otis, L.H.D. '77*

1995

John Muirheid*

Maynard O. Smith P'76

1993

Richard A. Ryan*

William Pitt Durfee, LL.D. '22*

Walter Hetherington Durfee '08, Sc.D. '59*

1992

Elon Howard Eaton*

Edward E. Griffith, L.H.D. '88*

1991

Milton Haight Turk, LL.D. '38*

Kathryn Dapp Cook, L.H.D. '84*

1990

Horace Webster*

John Towler*

Hamilton Lanphere Smith, D.Sc. 1900*

* deceased