Emeritus Professor of Biology  { Email Professor Benzing }  Specialty: Adaptive biology of epiphytic plants  David Benzing's research has focused on plant adaptive biology. He is especially interested in the role and impact of vascular epiphytes --particularly bromeliads and orchids-- in tropical forests. In past projects, Benzing has studied the use of epiphytic bromeliads for monitoring air quality in south Florida, investigated ant-epiphyte relationships in Papua, New Guinea, and the ecophysiology of diverse bromeliads as orchids. Such organizations as the National Science Foundation, the National Park Service, the National Geographic Society, Oberlin College, and several private institutions have funded this research, allowing Benzing to travel extensively to pursue research in the Old and New World tropics. He is also interested in the technology of sustainable agriculture and urban landscapes.  Benzing has published over 50 research reports in technical journals and has chapters in numerous published symposium volumes. He has also authored three monographs --the latest, Bromeliaceae: profile of an adaptive radiation was published by Cambridge University Press in 2000.  At Oberlin, Benzing taught a variety of courses in the areas of plant systematics, ecology, evolution, and environmental science. Numerous students have assisted him in his research, and many are now enrolled in Ph.D. programs or working as professional biologists. In recognition of his many achievements, Benzing was appointed the first Robert S. Danforth Professor of Biology in 1987.  B.A. (Zoology), 1959, Miami University M.S. (Biology), 1962, University of Michigan Ph.D. (Botany), 1965, University of Michigan