1958
Dr. Ralph Nyland (FOR) was the 2021 recipient of the New England Society of American Foresters’ Integrity in Conservation Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations working with natural resources who demonstrate adherence to principles and high standards in the face of adversity. Nyland’s long-term research, which began in the 1970s, contributes significantly to the understanding of regeneration processes in northern hardwood forests, interfering plants including American beech, exploitive harvesting practices, rehabilitation of degraded forests, and even and uneven aged silvicultural systems. He has published more than 150 scientific and technical papers, as well as practitioner reports in regional, national, and international journals.
1971
Douglas Wilcox (CHE) received the Society of Wetland Scientists 40th Anniversary Award, a one-
time award that commemorates the establishment of the Society of Wetland Scientists and recognizes high-level and sustained contributions to wetland research, practice, education, communication and support to the Society. Wilcox spent 30 years of his career as a wetland research scientist for the federal government, followed by 12 years as Empire Innovation Professor of Wetland Science at SUNY Brockport. He retired in 2020 and upon retirement, released a new book, History of Wetland Science: Perspectives from Wetland Leaders.
1972
Scott Shupe (FOR) was named the 2021 Conservationist of the Year by the Oneida Lake Association.
1979
Keith Redenbaugh (EFB) has retired after 40 years of professional experience launching plant agbiotech products. As a leader in his field, he worked with food additive regulation at the FDA for gamma-linolenic acid safflower oil (an important dietary omega-6-fatty acid), completed FDA consultation for stress-tolerant, genetically engineered soybeans and conducted early food safety evaluation for AlaAT and HAHB4 proteins. He launched four agbiotech products, published a key book on regulatory approval for the world’s first plant biotech product, received the first approvals of plant biotech natural health product with Health Canada, and directed teams to resolve critical biotech compliance issues. He turned around Seminis’ variety registration program in Europe and created their biotechnology strategy and commercialization plans. He is also a worldwide speaker and expert on regulatory affairs and plant cell biology. He served on the board of directors for the American Seed Trade Association and was a founder of the public-private Specialty Crop Regulatory Assistance effort. He received the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) special recognition and Certificate of Merit for the creation of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Specialty Crops Regulatory Initiative. He invented and holds eight patents on artificial seed and encapsulation. He also served as a board member and teacher at his local church.
1982
Western Kentucky University has named Robert (Bud) Fischer, Jr. (EFB) as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs. Fischer formerly served as the dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University. WKU selected Dr. Fischer because of his success in
elevating the universities where he has held leadership positions and his experience with applied learning, improvements in retention and graduation rates, and familiarity with growing sponsored research. He is excited to join WKU and help offer opportunities to change the lives of students and entire communities through education, research, innovation and service. Upon being selected for the position, reflected on his personal path, “My career speaks volumes about the transformational impact of higher education. I’ve been privileged to mature from a first-generation college student to a professor of biology and a university administrator.”
1983
After over 20 years of honorable military service from 1984 to 1992, and continuously from July 2007 to August 2020 as a reserve officer that included a tour in Iraq, Kevin Comstock (ES) retired from the Navy Reserves at the rank of captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps Reserve Law Program at age 60. He continues civilian public service as an attorney with the Department of Justice in the Eastern District of Virginia.
1985
Charles Nilsson (FRM) just finished up the latest version of Crisalis (R), an app that ties 225+ natural resources software programs into an all-in-one information system with most of the vetted apps included for free. See Irisinfosys.org/crisalis.
1992
Lisa (Hoey) Lowenberg (ES) was recently elected District IV director for the National Science Teaching Association. The NSTA is the largest organization in the world dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. The association serves as an advocate for science educators by keeping its members and the general public informed about national issues and trends in science education. The term of the position is three years and she will represent New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She will act as a liaison between leaders of NSTA associated groups and the state/provincial chapters. In her position, she will attend conferences, both regionally and nationally, attend board meetings and serve in the role of advisor. She is a science teacher at Chittenango High School in Chittenango, New York where she teaches EFB 120 Global Environment and the Evolution of Human Society as part of the ESF in the High School dual enrollment program. She also advises the school’s NYS Envirothon team and coaches boys/girls varsity bowling.
1998
David R. Hanny (ES) has been promoted to senior associate at Barton & Loguidice. He is a member of the firm’s Environmental Practice Area.
On behalf of Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., John Reddington (LA) was recognized with a 2021 Merit Award by NY Upstate ASLA for the Village of Fair-
port Bicentennial Canal Gateway. The project created an active pedestrian corridor and provided passive and active connections to the Erie Canal.
2000
Sara (Mullen) Sankowich (FRM) was promoted to director of Sustainability & Shared Services at Unitil. In addition to managing the utility’s forestry operations, she will now be leading the company’s sustainability reporting and strategy including managing fleet and facilities operations and associated emissions reduction strategies.
2005
Kyle C. Williams (FEG) has been promoted to Lead Engineer at Barton & Loguidice. He is a member of the firm’s Environmental Practice Area.
2006
Scott R. Swayze (ES), right, was appointed assistant chief of NYS University Police at SUNY Oswego. He previously worked as an Inspector at UP Delhi for 10 years.
2008
David Barbarash (LA) was the recipient of the Excellence in Design Studio Teaching, a junior-level award from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. He is an associate professor of Landscape Architecture and coordinator of Cooperative Education Program at Purdue University.
2009
Sara Scanga (EFB) a professor of biology, has been recognized as Utica College’s 2021 recipient of the prestigious Harold T. Clark, Jr. Award. The award is given annually to recognize a professor who exemplifies the highest traditions of scholarship. Since joining Utica College in 2010, Scanga has published 12 papers in peer-reviewed journals; has worked with dozens of undergraduate students on research projects and recently helped write two grants, each of which were awarded, totaling almost $750,000. Both grants involve creating new opportunities for research with undergraduate students. Scanga’s field of research and expertise in plant ecology, the study of how and why plants occur where they do, and how environmental conditions affect them, including entire ecosystems. Her research takes place on her computer, in the greenhouse, in the laboratory and in the field.
2010
John Vanek (EFB) recently earned his Ph.D. in biological sciences from Northern Illinois University, defending his dissertation (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in an Urban Preserve District) two days after his university entered the first Covid lockdown in March 2020, forcing a quick scramble to learn Zoom. Miraculously, John is married with two great kids (3.5 and 10 months). He will be returning to New York to start a postdoc at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and ESF, working to explore the ecology and evolution of urban wildlife. He is excited to leave the corn desert.
2011
Zachary Plonka (ERE) has been promoted to senior project engineer at Barton & Loguidice. He is a member of the firm’s Solid Waste Practice Area.
2012
Nicole (Bader) Cleary (LA) has been promoted to senior project landscape architect at Barton & Loguidice where she is a member of the firm’s Sustainable Planning & Design Practice Area.
Christopher McCarthy (LA) is now with Keller Williams Realty Greater Rochester (New York) and Brevard (Florida). He is also on the Board for the Rochester Chapter of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors for Government Affairs and Technology. His consulting company, Arium Illusion Inc., now offers services to predict the optimal location and tenant mixes based on statistics from cellular data.
2017
Dustin Hill (ENSCI) successfully defended his dissertation at ESF titled “Toxic Procurement: An Examination of United States Federal Government Contracts, Disproportionality, and Firm Environmental Performance, 2001-2012.” He has been working on his Ph.D. since 2017 with Professor Mary Collins.
His doctoral degree will be in environmental science.
2018
Audrey Sellepack (EFB) became Davey Tree’s first pesticide compliance specialist. She is excited to make a difference for Davey offices nationwide by educating field operations and harboring a safe work environment.