A Life Interrupted: The Story of Botanist Calvin Sperling from Minnesota to Biodiversity

This paper examines the life and work of Dr. Calvin R. Sperling (1957–1995), beginning on his family farm to becoming a trusted source on biodiversity conservation and directing Plant Exploration for the Department of Agriculture. Changes in his work are noted in relation to the changing meaning of germplasm from governance as a product of world heritage to governance under each nation’s sovereign control. In addition, understanding of genetic resources shifts as they become a recognized part of biodiversity, making Dr. Sperling’s insights from ethnobotanical studies with Richard Schultes more important and specimens Calvin collected became valuable herbarium samples and germplasm for crop improvement. These changes eventually helped focus Calvin’s career on combatting genetic erosion, ensuring the conservation of crop relatives, and expanding his communication abilities. By understanding the transitions and responses to change, this biography makes such changes accessible to those pursuing related professions. The paper concludes with using such a biography in the classroom and finally, introducing the endowed lecture series conducted in honor of Dr. Sperling’s courage and forthrightness.