J. Michael Meyers selected as Research Associate

Dr. J. Michael Meyers was recently (10/24) nominated as a Research Associate and selected by the board of The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Jamestown, New York.  The Institute is expanding its mission in natural history education and art.  The mission of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute also recognizes that teachers have opportunities to help young people develop a relationship with nature.  The purpose of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) Research Associate program is to broaden the scholarly base of RTPI by recruiting scholars and graduate students as associate members of the Institute (www.rtpi.org).  Dr. Meyers is currently planning research on breeding birds related to global climate change and citizen science with other associates of the Institute.

Contact:  J. Michael Meyers, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Athens, GA, telephone 706-542-7799.

Neal Woodman, Distinguished Service Award

During the Annual Meeting of the Smithsonian Institution’s (SI) Senate of Scientists on October 30, 2007, Neal Woodman of Patuxent Wildlife Research Station’s Biological Survey Unit received a Distinguished Service Award for his service as Secretary for the Senate during the 2006–2007 year.  The Senate of Scientists functions as a forum for the communication and identification of areas of scientific concern and importance, and thereby represents the professional research staff at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH).  It maintains open communication with the administration of the SI by means of regular meetings with the Director of NMNH and the Under Secretary for Research of SI.  The large turnover in the upper administration of SI, accompanied by congressional hearings and news media inquiries, made this a particularly busy year for the Senate.

Contact Neal Woodman, 202-633-1278, Washington, DC

Moira McKernan Recipient of 2007 MEES Colloquium Research Poster Award

The University of Maryland announced that Moira McKernan is the recipient of the 2007 outstanding student poster from the Marine-Estuarine-Environmental-Sciences (MEES) Colloquium.  The annual colloquium, held in early October at the University of Maryland, College Park, unites graduate students and faculty from across the University System of Maryland to discuss environmental research and education.  The award winning poster can be seen on display in the first floor Lobby of the Gabrielson Building.

Contact Dave Ziolkowski, 301-497-5753, Laurel, MD

Jeffrey Marion, recipient of Hornaday Gold Medal

The William T. Hornaday Gold Medal is presented by the National Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Conservation Committee to a scouter or venture leader who has rendered distinguished and unusual service to natural resource conservation and environmental improvement over an extended time.
Dr.. Jeffrey L. Marion, an Eagle Scout and longtime scouter, has been selected by the Conservation Committee to receive the WILLIAM T. HORNADAY GOLD MEDAL. The ceremony is scheduled for November 3.  Jeff’s many accomplishments as a scouter and recreation ecologist in the Biological Resources Discipline of the U. S. Geological Survey have led to numerous improvements in management practices for avoiding or minimizing the negative environment impacts associated with recreational activities.  His long-term commitment to developing, promoting and teaching Leave No Trace (LNT) practices have led many to better respect and responsibly visit our frontcountry, backcountry and wilderness areas.  His efforts led to a greater involvement in LNT by scouting through its adoption as an integral part of the national scouting program.  Jeff has served in numerous positions within scouting, including scoutmaster, venture crew advisor (with his wife, Susie), national BSA LNT Task Force, and member of the council conservation committee.  He is also very active in the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and has served on the Board of Directors for Leave No Trace and the American Hiking Society.  He, his wife Susie, their son Kyle (also an Eagle Scout) and daughter Amy (Venture Crew President) reside in Blacksburg.

Contact Jeffrey Marion, 540-231-6603, Blacksburg, VA

PWRC Scientists Provide Research Overview for USFWS Refuge Management Academy

USGS scientists Gary Heinz, John French, Matt Perry, and Chan Robbins assisted the US Fish and Wildlife Service "Refuge Management Academy" course on October 25, providing behind the scenes tours showcasing Patuxent's seminal contributions to the fields of ecology, wildlife biology, and contaminants research.  The course, offered regularly through the National Conservation Training Center, is designed to provide USFWS staff new to the National Wildlife Refuge System an introduction to the programs, policies, and issues impacting the operation of the national wildlife refuge system.

Contact Dave Ziolkowski, 301-497-5753, Laurel, MD

HiLites Contact: Regina Lanning, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 301-497-5509

See Previous HiLites:

October 30, 2006
February 5, 2007
March 5, 2007
March 12, 2007
April 2, 2007
April 16, 2007
April 30, 2007
May 21, 2007
June 18, 2007
June 25, 2007
October 1, 2007
October 15, 2007
October 22, 2007