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Memoir
Douglas Foster
Regents' Proceedings 71
Regents' Proceedings 71
Douglas L. Foster, Ph.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Medical School, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and research professor in the Reproductive Sciences Program, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on June 30, 2008.
Professor Foster received his B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska in 1966 and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Illinois in 1970, and completed an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in 1972. He joined the faculty as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in 1972 and received an additional appointment as assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in 1977. He was promoted to associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology in 1980 and associate professor of biological sciences (later changed to ecology and evolutionary biology) in 1981, and was promoted to professor in both departments in 1987.
He was named associate research scientist in developmental and reproductive biology in 1985 and was promoted to research scientist (now known as research professor) in 1987. Professor Foster was associate director of the Reproductive Sciences Program from 1986-2000 and director from 2000-07, and directed the NIH-funded Reproductive Sciences Training Program from 1986-96 and 2000-07. His research and training program in developmental reproductive biology focused on sexual differentiation of the brain and on the neuroendocrine timing of puberty. The interdisciplinary nature of his neuroscience research resulted in a number of long-term collaborations in the U.S. and abroad. His research provides practical, novel insights into mechanisms by which environmental compounds can alter the differential course and timing of reproductive neuroendocrine development in males and females. He is the author of numerous peer- reviewed papers, reviews, and chapters, and currently is co-authoring a book, The Coming of Age: The Neurobiology and Psychobiology of Puberty and Adolescence.
The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Douglas L. Foster professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology, and research professor emeritus.