Douglas Pratt, a University of Minnesota professor of botany who became a college dean, conducted early research on plant biomass, now a hot subject for scientists investigating new fuel sources.
Pratt, who served at the university for 30 years, died of leukemia on Nov. 8 at his home in Scandia. The longtime Minneapolis resident was 77.
At least 30 years ago, Pratt led students in the study of the biomass of cattails.
"I think this was pioneering work that should be taken into account by those who want to use biomass as an energy source," said Eville Gorham, a retired professor of ecology and botany at the university.
Pratt and Gorham had done wetlands research together, sometimes teaching classes in tandem.
Gorham said Pratt was an "admired administrator" who in the 1980s became dean of the College of Biological Sciences.
He also led a campus association of professors and served three terms in the University Senate. "He felt he was the representative of the faculty to the administration, rather than a representative of the administration to the faculty," making him a popular leader, Gorham said.
Former student Pearl Lam Bergad of Minneapolis, now a retired University of Minnesota research biologist, said he taught students how to persevere in research.
