Sep
19
The new fellows are
Maria Alejandra Gandolfo (Cornell University), Brian Huber (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History), Kate Lyons (University of Nebraska), and Peter Roopnarine (California Academy of Sciences)
Congratulations to the 2023 Paleo Society Fellows.
In no particular order, Here are some highlights from their letters of support.
Peter Roopnarine was described as carrying out "exemplary invertebrate paleontological research, professional service and collections management," highlighting the breadth of his activities, and an immense force for good in the PS both in terms his research, collections, and mentoring, but also in terms of his service." Another listed his many accomplishments: "collaborates with other researchers on modern paleobiological projects on the California margin, in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf of Thailand, published 71 peer-reviewed articles, several in high impact journals, mentored 10 graduate students (2 current) and 5 postdocs, is a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and GSA, and has conducted numerous public outreach activities, including lectures, videos, film and documentaries."Kate Lyons was described as possessing "a vision for combining modern and fossil data to consider big picture questions [that] is outstanding. Her work in ETE and her incredible passion for mentoring early career researchers, many from underrepresented groups in paleontology is wonderful;" one member noted that "much of Lyons’ work on the evolutionary macroecology of mammalian faunas has been published in the highest impact journals such as Nature and Science, a testimony to its significance, notably her seminal 2004 paper on human drivers of large mammal extinctions in the late Quaternary extinctions."
Maria Alejandra Gandolfo was described as "an outstanding paleobotanist who has helped to provide insights into important and previously undocumented Patagonian floras." Another highlighted Gandolfo's extraordinary career: "Nominated for her contributions to Cretaceous and Paleogene paleobotanical research, contribution to institutional paleobotanical collections, teaching and mentoring; 97 peer-reviewed publications (when first nominated in February 2021); mentor of numerous graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral associates; garnered Awards from the Botanical Society of America and American Philosophical Society; and active in professional service, including Editor-in-Chief of Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, and other editorial duties."
Brian Huber is "perhaps the outstanding micropaleontologist of his generation," "renown for his distinguished record as one of the world’s leading experts on Cretaceous and Cenozoic planktonic foraminifera and accomplishments as a museum curator and a mentor to many students and fellows; best known for climatic transition from mid-Cretaceous greenhouse climate to cooler conditions; published 6 co-edited books/monographs and 143 journal articles over a span of 3 decades at the Smithsonian Institution; carried out extensive professional service on the International Commission on Stratigraphy (vice chair), Cushman Foundation (President), and various editorial boards; and finally extensively involved in organizing workshops and symposia, and public outreach through exhibits at the Smithsonian."
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