Dale M. Benham, Ph.D. Professor of Biology
Office: Olin 211 Office Phone: (402) 465-2449 dbenham@nebrwesleyan.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Botany, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, 1989 M.S. in Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, 1982 B.S. in Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, 1980 A.S. in Biology, South Plains College, Levelland, TX, 1978
Current Courses:
Other Links:
Study Links:
Plant Resources Study Links
This site contains links to several web resourses for use in Biology of Plants
My research interests include plant systematics and reproduction. I became fascinated with ferns, especially those occuring in desert environments, while an undergraduate in Texas. My interest in pteridology grew as I investigated the natural history of two species (Cheilanthes kaulfussii and C. leucopoda) for my Master's thesis. I completed a systematic revision of a desert fern genus (Astrolepis) for my dissertation. Since coming to NWU, my research interests have been centered on reproductive biology studies of ferns and angiosperms. Most recently I began making pollen counts to determine the kinds and numbers of pollen allergens in the air.
Here are some of the things I like to do: I enjoy many outdoor activities including canoeing, fly fishing, and photography. I enjoy making usefuland usable items from wood; these include furniture, canoe paddles, canoes and a sea kayak. I play several musical instruments, including harmonica and banjo, but rarely at the same time. Currently I play with a musical group, Jubilee, which performs various mixtures of folk, country and traditional gospel music in and around the Lincoln area. We released our first CD in 2002.