Bruce Fink

Bruce Fink (December 22, 1861 – July 10, 1927) was a prominent American lichenologist. His name was synonymous with the field of botany in the United States for more than 30 years. Although educated and well-versed across the spectrum of botany, Fink focused his passion on lichenology, publishing more than 100 research papers, reviews, notes and monographs. With a specialty in taxonomy, Fink’s contributions to the field of lichenology was in the realm of identifying the relationship, classification and distribution of lichens. He had a broad interest in fungi, particularly Ascomycetes. Several lichens have been named in his honor, including the species Calosphaeria finkii,Dermatina finkii,Patellaria finkii, and the genus Finkia.

Fink was born in Blackberry, Illinois on December 22, 1861 to Reuben and Mary Elizabeth Fink. He received his primary and secondary education in Blackberry. Fink earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1887 and a Master of Science degree in 1894 from the University of Illinois. It was during his time at the University of Illinois that Fink made the acquaintance of two professors who inspired him to pursue natural history. Fink went on to do his graduate work at Harvard University, where he received a Master of Arts degree in 1896. While at Harvard, Fink was the Townsend Scholar. Harvard brought him into contact with another great influencer, an expert and leading authority at the time in the field of lichens. This and other contacts not only propelled Fink to ultimately deliver his own contributions to the field of botany, but also opened the door for him to obtain his first two teaching jobs.

Fink began his teaching profession at Upper Iowa University in 1892 as Professor of Botany. In 1903 he was recruited to become Professor of Botany at Grinell College where he remained for three years. In 1906, Fink accepted the call from Miami University to head up the Department of Botany. He remained at the University until his death in 1927.

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