Researcher Reflects on the Death of His Mentor -- Paul Heller

Paul Heller will be missed by the many lives he touched.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Paul Heller, Ph.D., professor of entomology at Penn State University. I first met Paul in grade school as a tag-a-long with my father at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne, Pa.

Reflecting back, little did I know that Paul was instilling in me the basic principles of integrated pest management (IPM) needed to make the best management decisions for turfgrass. I have fond memories of Paul and fellow Penn State researcher Bob Walker visiting St. Davids while I was in high school, establishing and evaluating experimental or demonstration insect management plots. If Paul was tied up with teaching or extension responsibilities, Bob visited and collected data with my dad, but typically they visited as a team.

I also interacted with Paul as an undergraduate at Penn State pursuing a bachelor's degree in Agronomy (1988 to 1992). During this time, Paul contributing to our knowledge of insect pests in Christmas tree farms. As a student worker, Paul encouraged me in my science career and paid me from one of his research grants to assist him in compiling a literature search on Christmas tree insect pests.

Even though Paul had numerous interests, he always made time to accommodate students in the agronomy program with an eye toward managing turfgrass. During my time as a student, I was able to sit in with the two-year golf course turfgrass management students and get to see Paul in action as a teacher. Those of you who experienced his teaching will remember his first-class delivery of information. Of course, Paul made undergraduates do additional work to earn the credit hours and further our expertise in turf insect identification and management. Remember Paul’s quizzes at the Penn State Golf Turf Conference? He took what he learned from research in the field and delivered it classroom-style wherever he presented. He loved to put you on the spot, in a friendly way, that made you stretch your knowledge. Paul was always receptive to questions he would get back to you if you put him on the spot and he didn't have an answer.

Leaving University Park, while pursuing graduate studies and then beginning my first real job as an assistant professor and extension turfgrass specialist at North Carolina State University, and all through my days in private industry in product development of fungicides, Paul was just a phone call or an e-mail away for advice. I'm sure many of you who are reading this can relate and appreciate that Paul was always ready to help you make a decision in managing insect populations in fine turf. Those of you who have kept up with the latest applied turfgrass management research, know that Paul published his results promptly and was committed to assisting fine turf managers in southeastern Pennsylvania do their jobs more effectively regarding insect management. Paul's esearch results were sought after by turfgrass managers outside the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, too.

Paul was always a gentleman and a scholar. Those of you who met Paul professionally always saw his positive side and an easy-going public face. Those who knew him intimately saw someone who drove himself to exceed everyone’s expectations and someone whose main objective was to be of service to everyone he met. He spent hours preparing his presentations, taking his expected audience into consideration. What came across as a relaxed and confident public speaker was really the result of long hours of careful preparation. He was probably the best public speaker I've ever heard. His legacy of published research results in turfgrass and Christmas tree management will benefit those who maintain fine turfgrass and Christmas trees for years to come. His legacy of friendship and kindness will be remembered by everyone who met him.

Editor's note: Henry C. Wetzel III, Ph.D., is a research associate for Washington State University's Cereal Disease Research Program in Pullman, Wash.
 

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