John Saunders

February 13, 2007

Norman - John W. Saunders Jr., a leader in the field of developmental biology, has been named a 2007 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumnus.  He represents the natural science fields in the college.
Saunders graduated from OU in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree and in 1941 with a master of science degree in zoology.  He also received the Phi Sigma Scholarship Medal, Omega Chapter, and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  He then attended Johns Hopkins University until 1943, when he put his studies on hold to serve in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater.  Saunders returned to Johns Hopkins in 1946 and received a doctorate in 1948.  He has made many notable contributions to the field of developmental biology and has written many textbooks on the subject. 

Currently professor emeritus of biological sciences at the State University of New York at Albany, Saunders’ career has spanned several decades and made a lasting impression on the scientific community.  He is recognized in the field of biomedical science for his seminal studies of the embryonic development of the limbs in human beings and other higher animals. His research has led to current studies that reveal the actions of particular genes in the realization of the form and function of normal and of congenitally defective limbs. Besides contributing dozens of research papers, Saunders has written three text books dealing with general principles of development.

In addition to teaching at SUNY Albany, Saunders has held positions at the University of Pennsylvania, Marquette University, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University and Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass.  He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1983 and a Life Member in 1997.  Saunders served on the board of directors for the American Cancer Society, Milwaukee Division and as chairman of the Advisory Committee for Biology and Medicine for the National Science Foundation.  A Who’s Who Biographee, Saunders also has been named an Outstanding Educator of America and was awarded a Conklin Medal for Distinguished Contributions to Developmental Biology by the American Society for Developmental Biology. His most recent honor has been election to the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A.

Saunders and his wife, Lilyan, reside in Falmouth, Mass.

Four OU College of Arts and Sciences alumni will be honored for their contributions at the local, national and international levels Friday, Feb. 23, during the college’s annual Kaleidoscope Evening. Other recipients of the 2007 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award are Elizabeth Garrett, representing the social sciences; Dick M. Lowry, representing the humanities; and Barbara Lynn “Lindy” Gans Ritz, representing the professional schools.  GEICO will be recognized for exceptional service to the college by receiving the Distinguished Service Award.