JS

My thesis committee chair and advisor, Dr. Joan Stevenson, passed away Monday night.

Joan was one of those people who made an impact on everyone she met. She was brilliant. She taught me so much and there was still so much more I could have learned from her. She had amazing style and accessorized with panache. She had a dry sense of humor and a sarcastic wit. She made me laugh and even when she struggled, she was able to laugh at herself. She had a huge heart. She encouraged and yes, pushed us with love and patience. (I’m probably not the only one who will always hear her voice in their head when writing.)

Joan was the one who steered me towards forensic entomology and was more excited than I was when I found a gap in the literature that would lead to my thesis topic. She told me I could when I didn't think I was capable. You really have no choice but to believe in yourself when someone like Joan believes in you. She once wrote in an email after a presentation that she was impressed with me and that it was an honor and a privilege so far, but no, it was MY honor and privilege to have known Joan.