John C. Semple

John C. Semple, a distinguished botanist and cytotaxonomist, has made significant contributions to the field of botany, particularly through his research on the tribe Astereae. Born in Boston in nineteen forty-seven, he pursued his academic journey at Tufts University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nineteen sixty-nine. His passion for plant sciences led him to Washington University in St. Louis, where he completed both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the early seventies.

Currently, Semple serves as a professor emeritus and adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. His expertise is particularly noted in the study of goldenrods, American asters, and goldenasters. He actively maintains the University of Waterloo Astereae Lab website, which serves as a valuable resource for fellow researchers and enthusiasts alike.

In a personal tribute to his wife, Brenda, Semple named a newly discovered species of goldenrod, Solidago brendiae, in her honor in two thousand thirteen. This gesture reflects not only his dedication to botany but also his deep appreciation for the support of his loved ones throughout his career.