Remembering Brian Darby
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Brian Darby, professor of biology.
Brian joined the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2011 as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology. His promotion to full professor was approved this past spring.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa on Sept. 13, 1979, Brian attained his bachelor’s degree in biology from Northwestern College of Orange City, Iowa, and his master’s degree from the Department of Earth, Ecology and Environmental Science at the University of Toledo. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont.
Brian’s research at UND focused on soil ecology — how the soil microbiota affects the health and function of the soil system — as well as identification of the fascinating nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, mites, collembolans and protozoans that exist in soil environments. He also studied how the ecological genomics of organisms dictate their abundance and distribution in the world and he used molecular tools to analyze wildlife genetics’ relation to movement and behavior to assist management and conservation. Brian also was an expert in statistics/biometry, modeling quantitative data to test hypotheses, estimate parameters and predict future scenarios.
UND Biology Professor Kathryn Yurkonis said Brian’s current projects included a national study of soil health on Conservation Reserve Program grasslands and a study on Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations throughout the northern plains. He also made numerous contributions to other projects throughout the campus community, she said.
“Brian was a valued mentor, friend and colleague in the biology family,” Yurkonis said. “He was well known for his kindhearted generosity and patience with the countless students he worked with over the years. Although his passion was always for soil nematodes, his impact on science and the projects he was willing to lend a thought to had no bounds.”
Brian was known for caring deeply about his student researchers – undergraduates and graduates – preparing them for their careers and contributing to the field of soil ecology. Brian also worked to provide research opportunities for undergraduate students, believing that “the most successful research projects begin at the freshman and sophomore years.”
Brian’s wide-ranging knowledge and expertise also made him a great resource for students, his fellow faculty members and beyond.
“Brian’s research involved applications of importance to wildlife as well as to agriculture and were of both national interest and importance to the people of North Dakota,” said Peter Meberg, chair of the UND Biology Department.
Brian also was a prolific author and co-author, with several publications and research presentations to his name. In March, Brian published a fun and informative article geared toward youth audiences around the world for the “Curious Kids” section of The Conversation. The article, titled “What is dirt? There’s a whole wriggling world alive in the ground beneath our feet, as a soil scientist explains,” was read by thousands of kids across the U.S., the UK, Italy, Singapore, New Zealand and more.
As always, the loss of a member of our UND community affects us all. Brian’s passing is a significant loss to our campus community and more, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
As we process this loss, please know that UND has University Counseling Center staff members available to offer support to students who would like counseling assistance any time Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call 701.777.2127 to schedule an appointment. After hours, 24/7 First Link support is available and can be reached by dialing 211 or calling 701.235.7335.
Faculty and staff can also consult UND’s Employee Assistance Program, thevillagefamily.org or 1.800.627.8220, as needed.
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The following was sent to the editor by Sidy Diakhate, lecturer in nematology at Sine Solum University, Senegal, West Africa.
I have learned with great sadness of the death of Prof. Brian Darby, my professor in Nematology.
I knew Brian through his scientific publications on soil nematodes and one day I contacted him to benefit from an internship in his laboratory which he accepted with pleasure. He spent his time and energy to proceed with all administrative procedures to fill a complex visa application in a very short time. I spent one month with Prof. Brian in his laboratory between May and June 2017 where I learned almost everything about the identification of nematodes on the morphological and molecular level. He invited me to share a meal at one of his friends’ houses where each person had to cook and share a meal. I cooked Yassa (rice with onion and chicken) and they liked it. It was very cold at that time but it did not matter to me because of the warm welcome of Prof. Brian.
After this very enriching internship with Brian, we always kept in touch, and he always took the time to look at the photos of nematodes that I sent him to help me make identifications.
With the passing of Brian I lost a mentor and a friend in nematology.
Brian Darby was good at any level.
I just wanted to thank Prof. Brian and the Department of Biology of UND so much for the beautiful services that you provided for me and my country (Senegal).
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
May his soul rest in peace.