John Tjepkema
Professor of Plant Physiology
School of Biology & Ecology

John Tjepkema came to the University of Maine from the faculty at Harvard University Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts 26 years ago.  Since then John has continued his productive research program on the mechanisms of nitrogen fixation in Frankia and Actinorhizal plants.He has authored and co-authored numerous publications and book chapters, and co-edited a book with his wife and colleague, Dr. Christa Schwintzer. He has served on review panels for the USDA, and was Consulting Editor for Plant and Soils for 23 years. While at Maine, John taught Plant Physiology lecture and labs, Plant Physiological Ecology and took a major role in the non-majors’ course in biology.  He also has been a particularly important resource for departmental graduate students through his courses and scientific expertise.  He served as graduate coordinator for Botany and Plant Pathology for a number of years.   He also served as coordinator for the interdisciplinary Plant Science Ph.D. program for 16 years.

John has had a longtime commitment to energy conservation and sustainability.  He has written articles, included it in his teaching and been proactive in promoting conservation both on campus and off.  An avid runner, John has participated in many local road races and marathons as well as the Boston marathon. He frequently trains in the wee hours of the morning and can be seen running down the middle of the streets in Orono, enjoying the stars, calls of the owls or frogs, and the absence of dogs and coyotes.

John, we appreciate your long years of service to the School of Biology and Ecology and the University of Maine and wish you many happy miles on cool, starry nights in your retirement.