Gretchen Bielmyer: Faculty Excellence in Professional Activity

VALDOSTA -- Dr. Gretchen Bielmyer was honored with the 2012 Faculty Excellence in Professional Activity Award. The associate professor of biology has been at VSU for four years.

“It was very nice to be recognized for the work I have been doing and the efforts I have made,” said Bielmyer. “I am very honored to have received the award and very appreciative to VSU for giving me the support necessary to further my professional development.”

Bielmyer earned her B.S. in biology from the University of North Florida and her M.S. and Ph.D. in environmental toxicology from Clemson University. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Miami.

While at VSU, Bielmyer has been active in pursuing research, educating students and participating in community and university organizations. She says the faculty in the biology department has been very collaborative and supportive, and she has met many amazing students while at VSU.

Bielmyer’s research interests are in the field of aquatic toxicology. The main focus of her research is the effects of metal contaminants on aquatic organisms when exposed through the water or diet. Her written work since 2008 includes eight refereed journal articles, several book chapters, two journal articles in review and two more in preparation.

Bielmyer also chaired the Undergraduate Research Council in the College of Arts and Sciences and currently serves as the biology representative on the university-wide council. Her devotion to her students is evident, as she has mentored 18 undergraduates in her research lab and co-authored publications with six undergraduate students.

Outside of the classroom, Bielmyer enjoys many outdoor activities, namely running, cycling, swimming and triathlons.

This year’s Faculty Excellence Awards recipients were recommended by a faculty committee representing all the colleges and divisions at VSU. These recipients were chosen from a field of candidates who had already received top honors in their respective colleges and divisions.

Contact Bielmyer at gkbielmyer@valdosta.edu.