Brian J. Darby, Ph.D. 44, of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of Iowa City, IA passed away Friday, July 26, 22024, in Grand Forks.

Brian James Darby was born on September 13, 1979, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Carl and Donna (Miller) Darby.

He is survived by his parents, Carl and Donna Darby; a brother, Michael (Jardely) Darby; sisters, Carol (Ryan) Williams and Tammy (Sam) Vanderwoude; nephews, Jacob Williams and Lucas Vanderwoude, and a niece, Elise Vanderwoude.

A Celebration of Brian's Life: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with remarks at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024 in the First Mennonite Church, 405 Myrtle Avenue Iowa City, IA. 52246.

Remembering Brian Darby

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Brian Darby, professor of biology.

Brian joined the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2011 as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology. His promotion to full professor was approved this past spring.

Born in Iowa City, Iowa on Sept. 13, 1979, Brian attained his bachelor's degree in biology from Northwestern College of Orange City, Iowa, and his master's degree from the Department of Earth, Ecology and Environmental Science at the University of Toledo. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont.

Brian's research at UND focused on soil ecology — how the soil microbiota affects the health and function of the soil system — as well as identification of the fascinating nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, mites, collembolans and protozoans that exist in soil environments. He also studied how the ecological genomics of organisms dictate their abundance and distribution in the world and he used molecular tools to analyze wildlife genetics' relation to movement and behavior to assist management and conservation. Brian also was an expert in statistics/biometry, modeling quantitative data to test hypotheses, estimate parameters and predict future scenarios.

UND Biology Professor Kathryn Yurkonis said Brian's current projects included a national study of soil health on Conservation Reserve Program grasslands and a study on Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations throughout the northern plains. He also made numerous contributions to other projects throughout the campus community, she said.

"Brian was a valued mentor, friend and colleague in the biology family," Yurkonis said. "He was well known for his kindhearted generosity and patience with the countless students he worked with over the years. Although his passion was always for soil nematodes, his impact on science and the projects he was willing to lend a thought to had no bounds."

Brian was known for caring deeply about his student researchers – undergraduates and graduates – preparing them for their careers and contributing to the field of soil ecology. Brian also worked to provide research opportunities for undergraduate students, believing that "the most successful research projects begin at the freshman and sophomore years."

Brian's wide-ranging knowledge and expertise also made him a great resource for students, his fellow faculty members and beyond.

"Brian's research involved applications of importance to wildlife as well as to agriculture and were of both national interest and importance to the people of North Dakota," said Peter Meberg, chair of the UND Biology Department.

Brian also was a prolific author and co-author, with several publications and research presentations to his name. In March, Brian published a fun and informative article geared toward youth audiences around the world for the "Curious Kids" section of The Conversation. The article, titled "What is dirt? There's a whole wriggling world alive in the ground beneath our feet, as a soil scientist explains," was read by thousands of kids across the U.S., the UK, Italy, Singapore, New Zealand and more.

As always, the loss of a member of our UND community affects us all. Brian's passing is a significant loss to our campus community and more, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.

As we process this loss, please know that UND has University Counseling Center staff members available to offer support to students who would like counseling assistance any time Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call 701.777.2127 to schedule an appointment. After hours, 24/7 First Link support is available and can be reached by dialing 211 or calling 701.235.7335.

Faculty and staff can also consult UND's Employee Assistance Program, thevillagefamily.org or 1.800.627.8220, as needed.

University of North Dakota, July 30, 2024