Dr. Donald W. Roberts
1933 – 2021

Dr. Donald Wilson Roberts, professor emeritus of Department of Biology at Utah State University passed away on May 2, 2021 at 88 years old from natural causes and following an extended illness.

Don was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 20, 1933 to Alpha Wilson Roberts and Rubye Clotilde Finklea Roberts.  He lived in Phoenix through his first 2 years of college at Phoenix College and Arizona State University.  During his first year of college, he decided to become an entomologist.  While working a summer job for Arizona Fertilizers surveying pests, Don encountered a nucleopolyhedrosis virus infecting caterpillars in cotton fields, which sparked his curiosity and inspired him to study insect diseases. Later, Don moved to Utah and completed his B.S. with a major in Zoology and a minor in Botany at Brigham Young University.  While there, an excellent mycology teacher, Dr. Kent McKnight, sparked his fascination in combining the disciplines of entomology and mycology.

Don then obtained his M.S. at Iowa State University (1959) in entomology studying the chemical and biological control of a leafroller insect. For his PhD from the University of California at Berkeley (1964), he studied under the father of insect pathology, Edward Steinhaus. Don’s PhD dissertation focused on destruxins of the insect-pathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae.

While studying in Iowa, he met Mae Strand, who was from originally from Tremonton, Utah. She completed her M.S. in child development the same time that Don graduated with his M.S. Their friendship developed due to their mutual love of dancing and blossomed into true love. They were married in 1959 during Don’s doctoral studies and eventually had two children, Marc Donald and Sara Judith. Mae remained his wife, favorite dance partner, and greatest supporter for their 62 years of marriage. 

Don spent most of his career (1965-1997) at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) in New York where he helped build the world-renowned Insect Pathology Resource Center. His enthusiasm for insect pathology helped convert other scientists at BTI to take up the study of various insect pathogens.

Although Don and his group worked with virtually every type of insect pathogen, his favorite was always fungal insect-pathogens, especially Metarhizium anisopliae. Don’s group conducted basic, applied, and molecular studies on this fungus, making it a premier model. Fittingly, when M. anisopliae was divided into several new species in 2008, the type that he had studied most was named Metarhizium robertsii in honor of Don.

Don was a passionate promoter of insect pathology and biological control world-wide. He journeyed to 64 countries promoting biological control, making presentations, helping with research, and collecting pathogens, especially in the developing world. In these travels, Don collected fungi and contributed significantly to the ARSEF fungal collection in Ithaca, NY. He also supervised research projects in India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Brazil. Don’s work was pivotal for the early development of Brazil as a leader in biological control of insects using fungal pathogens.

Don was a founding member of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology (SIP) and served as its president from 1988-1990. He was recognized and rewarded by many professional societies for his extensive contributions to entomology. These awards include a Fulbright Senior Research Scholarship to Australia (1985); the L.O. Howard Distinguished Achievement Award (1989) from the Eastern Branch of Entomological Society of America; and SIP Founder s’ Lecture Honoree (2009). 

Don became a research professor at Utah State University in 1997 after retiring from BTI. Although he was 65 at the time, Don still had much to offer to the field and thrived for 22 years at USU researching new areas, orienting students, collaborating with other professors. Don enjoyed the USU Department of Biology and in interviews about his life for a forthcoming book he stated: “Every place I’ve been there have been sharp knives and sharp elbows and a lot of backbiting. And it’s just not part of the scene here. These biology professors are interested in their own business, and they are not interested in knocking people down so they can elevate themselves standing on bodies.” Along with his focus on fungal pathogens, he delved into a completely new subject initiating a research program on the parasite that causes Whirling Disease in fish. Don also focused on the effects of solar UV radiation and heat on entomopathogenic fungi. He had a large grant to investigate using insect-pathogenic fungi to control Mormon crickets.

A major factor for the move to Utah was Mae’s desire to be closer to their children and grandchildren as well as her siblings. She also always loved the beauty of Cache Valley. In River Heights, Mae and Don established a new home, where they installed a dance floor so they could enjoy dancing together as well as teach others.  West Coast Swing was their favorite. 

Don’s greatest legacy will be the people that he trained. With the help of his wife, he took excellent care of his staff on a personal and professional level; earning the nickname “Uncle Don.” A talented storyteller, he enjoyed using stories about his own adventures as parables to teach others about both science and life. All of his personal and professional activities have been the direct outgrowth of his deeply held belief that it is his duty to help improve the lives of other people.  He was a very supportive person that encouraged his family, those who had the privilege to work with him, and many others to explore the world and make it a better place. In this spirit of service to and love for all, and in his professional dedication, Don is a role model worthy of emulation. 

Donald Roberts leaves behind his wife Mae Roberts, two children, and three grandchildren, as well as innumerable scientific descendants that will pass on his passion for insect pathology. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the USU Biology General Scholarship Fund. Please make donations to Utah State University, Biology General Scholarship Fund, 1590 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322, or using the secure giving form on this page. The scholarship provides support for USU students studying Biology.