Donald J. Nevins

Profile Picture for Donald Nevins

In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus and Plant Physiologist in the Experiment Station
1937-2025

DONALD J. NEVINS

Birth: July 6, 1937, San Luis Obispo, California
Death: July 8, 2025, Woodland, California

Education

  • B.S., Crop Science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1959
  • M.S., Agronomy, University of California, Davis
  • Ph.D., Plant Physiology, University of California, Davis, 1965

Employment

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1965–1967
  • Faculty, Iowa State University, 1967–1984
  • University of California, Davis, 1984-2025
    • Chair, Department of Vegetable Crops, 1984–1989
    • Professor, Department of Vegetable Crops / Plant Sciences, 1984–2011
    • Professor Emeritus, Department of Plant Sciences, 2011–2025
  • Director, UC Vegetable Research and Information Center, 1999–2006

Honors, Awards, and Professional Societies

  • Fellow, Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science, 1990
  • Fellow, Yamada Science Foundation
  • Fellow, California Academy of Sciences, 2002

Research Contributions and Impact

Donald Nevins was internationally recognized for his research on the biochemistry and physiology of plant cell walls. His work advanced the understanding of complex carbohydrates and enzymatic mechanisms underlying plant growth, ripening, and seed development. His studies on cell wall polysaccharides in crops such as tomato provided critical insights into fruit firmness, nutritional value, and postharvest quality.

Nevins contributed to carbohydrate analysis methods still widely cited today and demonstrated the nutritional importance of cereal β-glucans, influencing both plant science and human health research. His research bridged the gap between fundamental plant physiology and agricultural applications, thereby improving our understanding of crop growth and quality.

Publications and Scholarly Leadership

Nevins published more than 100 scientific papers from 1970 onward, including influential works on tomato seed endosperm polysaccharides, cereal β-glucans, and cell wall enzymology. He co-edited "Tomato Biotechnology: Proceedings of a Symposium" (1987), which brought international attention to UC Davis research in crop biotechnology.

Teaching and Mentorship

Nevins taught undergraduate and graduate courses in plant physiology and developed the popular general education course "Plants and People," which engaged students across various disciplines. He also created freshman seminar courses that encouraged students to explore science in innovative ways, from bonsai experiments to dietary studies. He mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom went on to successful academic and professional careers.

Collaboration and Community

As chair of the Department of Vegetable Crops, Nevins guided rebuilding efforts and supported early-career faculty during a period of departmental renewal. He played a central role in sustaining the Tomato Genetic Resource Center, strengthening ties with industry, and expanding the department’s presence in California’s Salinas Valley. He also led the development of laboratory facilities in the Mann Laboratory, enhancing UC Davis' research capacity in postharvest biology.

Nevins was deeply committed to international collaboration, with sabbaticals in Japan, Sweden, and Australia that led to enduring partnerships. His leadership extended to directing the UC Vegetable Research and Information Center, where he advanced communication and cooperation between the university and the vegetable industry.

Legacy

Donald Nevins’s legacy is defined by his pioneering cell wall research, innovative teaching, and leadership in strengthening plant sciences at UC Davis. His work linked fundamental biochemistry with agricultural practice, advancing both scientific knowledge and crop improvement. Through his mentorship, international collaborations, and commitment to university service, he made an enduring impact on students, colleagues, and the global field of plant science.

References

For additional tributes, interviews, and biographies, see the following resources: