Press Releases

July 10, 2001
Professor Named Leopold Leadership Fellow

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

Sandra E. Shumway, Professor of Biology and Marine Science at Southampton College of Long Island University, is one of 20 top environmental scientists around the country to be named an Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow.

Begun in 1998, the ALLF program is aimed at helping scientists to be more effective communicators. Each year ALLF names 20 of the nation's leading environmental scientists to participate in the program which assists scientists in doing public, private and political communication, outreach and educational activities.

"I have always believed that it is essential for scientists to be able to communicate with ALL sectors including the media, policy makers, and laymen," said Dr. Shumway, a 1974 graduate of Southampton College. "It is also important to encourage students from as early an age as possible to enter the scientific arena."

The ALLF program is operated by Oregon State University on behalf of the Ecological Society of America with funding support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

"Each of the 21 new fellows is a talented, articulate and recognized environmental scientist," said Judith Vergun, project director. "They will receive advanced leadership and communication training during the coming year and improve their ability to share scientific expertise with a broad array of interested parties beyond academia." Training sessions will be held in Tucson, Arizona and Washington, D.C.

Dr. Shumway is an expert on harmful algal blooms and shellfish biology. Her research has been widely published and she has held many leadership positions in the scientific community. She is past president of the National Shellfisheries Association and this year received the organization's highest honorary citation -- the Life Member Award for exemplary service and outstanding contributions. She currently serves as editor of both the Journal of Shellfish Research and the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.

"Sandy Shumway has had a truly distinguished scientific career of research and practical application?." Said Donald F. Boesch, President of the University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science, in recommending her for the Fellowship. "The extent, breadth and quality of her publication record are exemplary. Furthermore, she very successfully worked with fishermen, resource managers and scientists, alike, during her period of service with the Maine Department of Marine Resources."

"I would very much like to work with groups other than scientists, e.g. the press and seafood buyers/restaurateurs to dispel some of the myths surrounding harmful algal blooms," said Dr. Shumway. "My expertise in the fields of harmful algal blooms and shellfish biology and aquaculture provides a unique opportunity to bring scientific expertise to the user communities."

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