Dr. Bill Dennison, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Vice President for Science Application, has received the first Margaret A. Davidson Award for Stewardship from the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) for his trailblazing work to synthesize scientific results in a way that facilitates public awareness and management decisions.
In his 33+ year career, Dennison has led dozens of scientific and technical activities from the United States to Australia, from seagrass ecophysiology to science communication, and from elementary school students to graduate students and the public. His background is replete with work across disciplines and with multiple institutions. His ability to explain science to novices and experts, and to nurture talent along the way, is renowned. don boes
“Bill Dennison has exhibited a deep commitment and extraordinary leadership in the application of science to policies and management concerning coastal and estuarine ecosystems,” said Don Boesch, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. “I think it is safe to say that few have had as much influence on effective management and no one has had a greater geographic scope of impact on coastal stewardship.”
CERF is the premier scientific society for coastal and estuarine research.
The award recognizes an individual that demonstrates extraordinary leadership, service, innovation, and commitment to the management of estuarine and coastal systems. This award also recognizes those who have worked in the estuarine and coastal arena and excelled in management and policy. It is named after recently deceased NOAA coastal programs guru Margaret Davidson, this new award recognizes excellence in coastal and estuarine management.
“Bill is one of those very rare individuals who have this uncanny ability to convey important scientific principles in terms easily understood by resource managers, politicians, and NGO’s,” said Professor Bob Orth of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, who nominated Dennison. "I can think of no one who is more deserving of the Margaret A. Davidson Award for Stewardship.”
