author

George William Byers

b. 1923

An accomplished American entomologist and longtime University of Kansas professor, he was especially known for his work on crane flies and scorpionflies. His career also included military service and medical research, giving his life story an unusual mix of science, teaching, and public service.

1 Audiobook

Some Reptiles and Amphibians from Korea

Some Reptiles and Amphibians from Korea

by George William Byers, J. Knox Jones, Robert G. Webb

About the author

Born on May 16, 1923, in Washington, D.C., George William Byers grew up in Indiana and went on to study biology and entomology at the University of Michigan. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army, later returning to active duty in Korea, where he led research on epidemic hemorrhagic fever.

In 1956 he joined the Department of Entomology at the University of Kansas. There he taught subjects including systematic and medical entomology, curated the insect collection, and served twice as department chair. His research was supported for decades by the National Science Foundation.

Even after retiring in 1988, he continued his research at Kansas, remaining active in the lab and office for many years. He died on January 1, 2018, remembered as a dedicated teacher and specialist in insect systematics, especially crane flies and scorpionflies.