A mentor, supporter, a true termitophile, and a friend

Michael Haverty's contributions to termitology and extend far beyond his numerous publications on termites. His passion for termite studies has led him to groom, mento, and support many of today's termite researchers. I can personally attest that I would not be doing what I do today without his support and mentorship. After serving as the project leader for the termite program in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mike assumed the project leader position at the USDA Forest Service in Berkeley, California. During his tenure there, he provided funding for termite research at the University of Hawaii, which enabled me to receive my graduate assistantship. Mike also introduced me to other prominent termite researchers, including Jeff La Fage, Bill Nutting, Joe Mauldin, David Kistner, Margarett Collins, and Barbara Thorne. Through interactions with these established termitologists, I developed a deep appreciation for the science of this field. I am not the only one who has benefitted from his mentorship and support, many others in our field have similarly been groomed by him.