Title: Professor of Biology (Retired)
Company: Washington State College of Ohio
Location: Marietta, Ohio, United States
Diane Marie Dudzinski, PhD, retired professor of biology at Washington State College of Ohio, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in ecology and marine biology.
Across a career of nearly 50 years, Dr. Dudzinski established herself as a respected educator and scientist in the field of biology. Beginning her life humbly on a dairy farm owned by her Polish immigrant grandparents, she quickly discovered a fascination with the ecology of plant and animal life around her, which was encouraged by many of her teachers. Dr. Dudzinski’s professional life began as a laboratory assistant and teaching fellow at Fordham University in 1969. She first became a full-time biology professor at Ladycliff College, later contributing as an instructor at Pace University and Manhattan University. Dr. Dudzinski experienced a career highlight when she was named as the first woman to participate in the United States and Soviet Union joint expedition to the Bering Sea, solidifying her standing as a scientist.
In 1978, Dr. Dudzinski accepted the position of associate professor of biology at the College of Santa Fe, where she later was promoted to professor of biology and chairperson of the department of science and mathematics. She also served as a professor of biology at Mercyhurst University (formerly known as Mercyhurst College) for five years. Alongside her work in academia, Dr. Dudzinski provided her scientific expertise as an environmental consultant to various laboratories and government operations in California and Louisiana. Her other professional achievements include attending American Society of Science Educators fellowships at the NASA Ames Research Center for three summers and studying potential microbial contaminations that could occur on a space station while researching closed environment life support systems with Stanford University.
After building her credentials, Dr. Dudzinski stepped into her most significant role: professor of biology at Washington State College of Ohio (formerly called the Washington State Community College). Starting in 1991, she excelled at this institution for more than 20 years, crafting a reputation as a well-liked teacher who was actively invested in the education of her students. Dr. Dudzinski retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of optimism and hope for the next generation of biologists.
Dr. Dudzinski first sought education at Villa Maria College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in 1968. Subsequently, she received a Master of Science from Fordham University in 1970. Dr. Dudzinski remained at that institution to earn a PhD in 1974. Additionally, she has been certified as a secondary school teacher and a powerboat pilot.
As a commitment to her field, Dr. Dudzinski has been active with multiple industry-related organizations throughout her career. She served on the board of directors for the Zonta Club of Marietta, Ohio, and the New Mexico Network for Women in Science and Engineering, where she was also treasurer. Dr. Dudzinski also offered her time as the Manhattan University student chapter moderator for the American Institute of Biological Sciences and as an audiovisual director for the American Society of Protozoologists. She has previously been involved in such groups as the Gannon University Heritage Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Microbiologists and the Pennsylvania Academy of Science.
Noted for her achievements, Dr. Dudzinski won several grants throughout her professional life, including from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. She was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Villa Maria College in 1986 and the 50 Year Award from Gannon University in 2019.
Outside of her career, Dr. Dudzinski enjoys swimming, traveling and collecting antiques. She has especially embraced gardening in her retirement and looks forward to doing more of it in the future. Additionally, Dr. Dudzinski hopes to connect more with her extended family in the years ahead.
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