Tom Cronin Celebrated for Mentorship in Visual Ecology at UMBC

Tom Cronin, a prominent figure in visual ecology, was honored at a symposium marking his retirement from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) after a remarkable 43-year career. Known for his groundbreaking research on mantis shrimp, Cronin’s legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions to a profound impact on the lives of his students and colleagues.

The event, held recently, brought together alumni, current students, and faculty, many of whom traveled from around the globe to pay tribute to Cronin. Participants celebrated not only his achievements but also the sense of community he fostered within the field. Attendees waved playful cutouts of Cronin’s signature expression—affectionately dubbed “the face”—adding a lighthearted touch to the day.

Cronin began his tenure at UMBC in 1980 as an assistant professor and quickly established himself as a leader in visual ecology. His research into the complex eyes of mantis shrimp has revealed significant insights into their unique visual capabilities, making him a respected authority in the field.

Tributes from Former Students Highlight Mentorship

During the symposium, numerous former students shared heartfelt testimonies about how Cronin shaped their academic and professional journeys. Megan Porter, a former postdoctoral fellow, expressed gratitude for Cronin’s guidance in bridging her expertise in molecular biology and genetics with visual ecology. She reflected on her initial experiences in his lab, stating, “When I came in, I had a Ph.D.; I thought I knew stuff. But at the first lab meeting, I realized I knew nothing about visual ecology.”

Porter now applies the foundational skills she gained from Cronin in her role as a professor at the University of Hawai’i, aiming to inspire her own students as he did. Similarly, Michael Bok, a graduate of Cronin’s lab, shared valuable lessons from his mentor, such as the importance of pursuing exciting research and cultivating strong professional relationships. Bok now continues his work at the University of Lund in Sweden.

Kathryn Feller, another former student, highlighted Cronin’s tough yet supportive mentorship style. She presented a drawing that has adorned her lab for years, inscribed with the words, “Tom is tough, but he’s your friend,” encapsulating the essence of his approach to teaching and mentorship.

A Lasting Legacy in Education and Research

Alex Kingston, an assistant professor at the University of Tulsa, expressed her appreciation for Cronin’s support, noting that “anyone can teach you how to do science, but you taught us how to be scientists.” She revealed that one of Cronin’s major lab instruments is being transferred to her lab, furthering the impact of his work on future research.

Throughout his career, Cronin has taught nearly 8,000 undergraduate students over 86 semesters, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific inquiry. He described UMBC as a nurturing environment for young investigators and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from faculty, staff, and his family, particularly his wife, Ros.

As the symposium concluded, it was clear that Cronin’s influence will continue to resonate through generations of scientists eager to expand our understanding of the natural world. The event served as a celebration of curiosity, mentorship, and the enduring connections formed in the pursuit of knowledge.

For those interested in the field, further details about UMBC’s graduate programs in biological sciences are available, alongside Cronin’s co-authored publication, “Color in Nature” (2024), which explores the intricacies of visual perception in the animal kingdom.