Rev. 12/01/2020

John Webster graduated from the University of London’s Imperial College where he received a Ph.D.in plant pathology in 1962. He also received a D.Sc. in zoology and nematology from the same university. John was a Scientific Officer at Rothamsted Experimental Station and a Research Officer in Ontario, Canada, before joining the faculty of Simon Fraser University in 1967 where, for more than 40 years, he has led a truly outstanding research and teaching program.

John’s superlative publication record documents often pioneering research endeavors that have led others to follow in his footsteps. He is especially well known for being the major North American authority on Bursaphelenchus, and his extensive investigations of entomopathogenic nematodes have ranged from field-based control studies, to molecular systematics, to elucidation of the chemical metabolites involved in insect-nematode-bacterium interactions. His pioneering studies of entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacteria provided a foundation ongoing studies on therapeutics for autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and cancer.

He has trained nearly 50 M.S. and Ph.D. students, as well as countless post-doctoral fellows and international scientists.  John is well known for his close associations and numerous collaborations, mentorships, and other interactions with scientists from every continent. His understanding of the nuances of global nematology made him an important force in the formation of the International Federation of Nematology Societies.

Professor Webster has served in leadership roles in several societies, organized and participated in many symposia, and graciously hosted a number of scientific meetings in Canada. He has been honored with numerous awards, such as Fellow of the Society of Nematologists and the European Society of Nematologists. His served as President of the Society of Nematologists.

Dr. John M. Webster was made an Honorary Member of the Society of Nematologists in 2009.

Source:  Nematology Newsletter 56(3)