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Bishop receives teaching award

When speaking with Dr. D. Bryan Bishop, it's impossible to ignore his immense passion for teaching and entomology. 

"I've always been interested in insects," Bishop said. "When I was about six years old, my older sister told me I was going to grow up to be a bug doctor. And she was right."

Bishop studied botany in both his undergrad and master's degree. His master’s research examined plant-insect interactions and led to his desire to learn more about his favorite animals.  That led him to his PhD in entomology at Michigan State University.

It was also during his master's degree that he realized he really loved teaching. 

"Another grad student and I were assigned to co-teach a pollination class. I had a student after that class tell me, 'I'll never look at a field of flowers the same way again,'" Bishop said.

Bishop loves helping students observe what they might have easily overlooked before. He came to Concordia in 1998 and has been teaching entomology ever since.

"My number one passion is sharing my joy of insects with others, especially my students, and see them begin to appreciate them," he continued. "After taking the class, students have told me they've learned to slow down and start observing what's going on around them."

His impact on his Cobber students is obvious. In fact, the impact is so profound that four former students, now with advanced degrees in entomology, spent the time and energy to nominate Bishop for the North Central Branch Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from the Entomological Society of America. This award honors those for excellence in teaching and mentorship, impacting future entomologists.

Dr. John Flaspohler, a professor in the biology department, sees Bishop's passion and enthusiasm.

"I can't think of higher praise than former students taking the time and effort to honor a professor who has made such a positive impact on their lives," Flaspohler said. "It is a testament to Bryan's own passion for this vocation as well as Concordia's mission of guiding students toward rewarding and fulfilling vocations that he has been honored with this prestigious award."

As he heads into retirement within the next few years, this award is a confirmation to Bishop that he did something right.

"Receiving this award towards the end of my career was an answer to the question that we often ponder — 'Do we make a difference?' This award to me was an affirmation that I have made an impact," Bishop said. "The award didn't make the joy I already get from teaching and being with my students any greater. My joy has always come from being able to do what I do. Instead, this award was the cherry on top. More than anything, I was honored my students thought highly enough of me to nominate me."

Overall, Bishop hopes his students go on to become good stewards of this earth and to continue to be lifelong learners.

"The bigger lessons I'd like them to take away are definitely a love of learning, to always be curious, to always ask questions, and to be observant," he said.

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