John Norman – Advisor, Teacher, and Mentor.

In the course of a scientist’s development, few relationships are as critical as the relationship between advisor and student.  In the early stages of a young scientist’s career the student is not only learning the technical skills necessary to excel in their career, but also the interpersonal communication skills needed to develop and maintain healthy professional interactions.  Graduate student advisees of John Norman were the fortunate recipients of masterful guidance in both areas.  John advised or co-advised 17 M.S. and 23 Ph.D. students at three major Land Grant universities.  The number of students he influenced through committee service or occasional informal assistance is no doubt much larger.  In all circumstances, the student could be assured of receiving detailed, insightful technical guidance often crossing over into life lessons to address concerns that went beyond research or science.  A review of the breadth and depth of the theses and dissertation topics of John’s students reveals the unique range of his interests and expertise.  This scientific curiosity also supported John’s classroom instruction as he willingly taught a range of topics and was eager to employ new instructional techniques to enhance student performance.  In this presentation I will review some of the significant scientific accomplishments achieved by John and his graduate students.  I will also attempt to articulate how the special student/mentor relationship John developed with his students influenced both our professional and personal development.