Historical Perspectives

M ARVALEE HENDRICKS WAKE (Fig. 1) had a sign under her mailbox in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology that read ‘‘Extra Strength.’’ That pretty well sums her up. Marvalee’s work has spanned the globe and several research fields and has facilitated the success and reach of many professional societies. Indeed, much of her career as a leader both at her university and in the broader world of science has been about breaking down barriers and getting people out of their silos. She has been a champion of integrative biology, a leader with the ability to unite people toward common goals, and has lived a life of service to science at all levels. In addition, Marvalee’s research work on the morphology, evolution, development, and reproductive strategies of caecilians has been groundbreaking (pun intended). In addition to her keen mind and leadership abilities, Marvalee has always been known by her colleagues and students for her perfect posture, perfect hair (she cuts it herself), and her complete control of the situation, any situation (although she herself questions this assessment).