University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Dr. Marc Ammerlaan was one of three inaugural Collegiate Lecturers at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus to be recognized for his achievements and many contributions to the education of U-M students at a recent private ceremony. The wife of Professor Hiroshi Ikuma, who Ammerlaan named his lectureship for, Seiko Ikuma, was in attendance.

Ammerlaan calls Professor Ikuma one of the most outstanding faculty he encountered in his first years at U-M. Ikuma taught at U-M from 1965 – 2000. He was among the first investigators to describe the properties of carefully isolated plant mitochondria. At U-M, Ikuma's research emphasized discovery and characterization of factors that regulate plant growth and development. He continued his pioneering work on the properties of plant mitochondria, focusing on energy coupling reactions and on the metabolism of organic acids in the organelle. He also initiated new research programs that have revealed new roles of light, temperature, and hormones in regulation of the complex series of metabolic events that culminate in seed germination.

"I was honored that Mrs. Ikuma could attend the ceremony. The stories she told pointed out her husband's dedication to teaching for all who did not have the privilege of knowing him."

Captions: Dr. Marc Ammerlaan receives his plaque from Dr. Philip J. Hanlon, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Marc Ammerlaan and Mrs. Seiko Ikuma, wife of Professor Hiroshi Ikuma, for whom Ammerlaan's Collegiate Lectureship is named.