Ian Keesey ’04

It has been almost a decade since I departed Saint Peter, Minnesota, thus I wanted to provide an update on my life and career. Since graduating from GAC in 2004, I completed my Master’s degree (’07, Entomology) and PhD (’11, Plant Insect and Microbial Science) both at the University of Missouri. Thankfully their school colors are also black and gold with a large cat as a mascot, therefore I was able to get away with wearing my Gustavus gear all the time while I was a graduate student there! After a 1 year post-doctoral position in the USA, I have moved to Germany on a 2 year fellowship to work at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology. Currently my research is focused upon Evolutionary Neuroethology, or more simply, the evolution of the individual neurons and neural circuitry associated with olfactory reception and perception in the brain. Years ago in my biology, chemistry and neurobiology classes at GAC I recall reading publications from some of these researchers, and I am now proud to be working alongside them in this field! I am very thankful for my time and education at Gustavus, and hope to visit the campus to see the many changes since my departure all those years ago. Mit freundlichen Grüßen.