Thomas J. Carlson

Thomas J. Carlson, Teaching Professor Emeritus in Integrative Biology (IB), passed away on April 9, 2025.

Professor Carlson was a highly respected scientist and teacher who was beloved for his creative intellect, his kindness, and his humanity. Professionally, Tom’s career centered on two themes – botany and medicine. He held a Masters’ Degree in botany from the University of Michigan and was a Curator Emeritus in Berkeley’s University and Jepson Herbaria. Professor Carlson was also a pediatrician, with an MD from Michigan State University. Tom very successfully integrated these dual interests by conducting research on indigenous uses of medicinal plants, a line of inquiry that led him to numerous remote locations around the world. He was also a very gifted teacher who generously shared his time and expertise with thousands of students. 

Tom’s connection with IB began in the 1990’s, when he first started teaching at Berkeley. He quickly became the core of IB’s human biology curriculum, teaching fundamental courses in Anatomy and Physiology as well highly popular classes in Human Reproductive Biology, Evolutionary Medicine, and Medical Ethnobotany. His support for IB undergraduates was legendary and extended far beyond the classroom. Tom’s office hours were wildly popular, reflecting both his innate ability to connect with students and his willingness to share stories about the many unusual objects on display in his office, most of which had been acquired during his travels in pursuit of medicinal plants. He wrote countless letters of recommendation and helped numerous undergraduates navigate the requirements of the IB major. His enthusiasm for sharing knowledge was boundless and he never hesitated to pause and to point out the edible plants on the Berkeley campus. An episode of NPR’s Science Friday program that featured Tom clearly captures his exceptional ability to engage others in the wonders of biology. In that show, he explained to a former student why he continued to be motivated to teach: “I get inspired. And I get energized. It sustains me, just to see how your wings are open and that you're flying in ways that put a fire in your belly.” As the host of the show, Ira Flatow, remarked: “Wow, I wish I had a professor like that.”

Professor Carlson retired from teaching in January 2024 and will be deeply missed for the warmth, positivity, and genuine care that he brought to his interactions with all of us. 

Tanya Sullivan

Submitted on behalf of the UC Berkeley Academic Senate by Andrew Bradt, Chair, Committee on Memorial Resolutions.