George Briggs

Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all. -----Thomas Szasz
	A teacher who is attempting to teach, without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn, is hammering on a cold iron.--Horace
		Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. - Immanual Kant

Office Hours -- Fall 2009

Links to my class web pages:

Student research opportunities:

I greatly enjoy working with students on research projects. Many of these projects have been presented at the annual Undergraduate Science and Math Symposium. Student projects have included:

• factors controlling seed production in Brassica
• ability of leaves to reorient due to shading
• rapid leaflet reorientation to sunlight
• stomatal activity in senescing leaves
• squirrel feeding habits
• using light emitting diodes to study photomorphogenesis
• cation exchange by Sphagnum moss
• the distribution of the genus Carex in New York

The new building, with its greenhouse and new equipment, should provide some exciting possibilities for student research--and there are always interesting field projects to pursue. Stop by and we can talk about possibilities. (back to top)

Give me your money!!!

I like to bike and since 1988 I have participated in bicycling fund raising events for both the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Diabetes Association. I keep a fishbowl in my office and be forewarned that I try to coerce students into giving me money. Rest assured that I don't pocket any of it! And I don't even accept the 'bonus gifts' that they hand out for participants. If you would like to donate to either cause I would appreciate your generosity. You can donate on line for the American Diabetes Association by going to this website. (back to top)