Although he started out his academic career studying theoretical physics, Robert “Bob” May is better known for his contributions to the field of ecology as well as for his political influence in the UK. The Australian scientist died this week (April 28) at age 84.
May earned his PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Sydney in 1959 and spent a couple years at Harvard University before returning to his alma matter to become a senior lecturer and then professor. But after reading a book on ecology, May became fascinated with animal populations and communities, according to The Sunday Morning Herald. He joined the faculty of Princeton University in 1973 and began developing models for understanding the basic dynamics of ecological systems.
“He transformed the science of ecology from a descriptive, observational discipline into a theoretical science with a firm mathematical basis,” Hamish McCallum of the University of Griffith, ...
