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Dr. William H. Schlesinger, Dean of Duke University's Nicholas School, to become Institute of Ecosystem Studies President in 2007

Dr. William H. Schlesinger has been named the next President of the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. He will take on the position in June of 2007. The Institute is one of the largest and most respected ecological research organizations in the world. Areas of expertise include aquatic science, forest ecology, urban ecology, air pollution, nutrient cycling, and disease ecology.

"From freshwater health to the ecology of infectious disease, Institute research is critical to both the field of ecosystem science and the protection of Earth's natural systems," Schlesinger said upon accepting the position. "In the coming years I look forward to building on the Institute's research success while forging a bridge between IES science and policy makers, educators, and the general public."

Schlesinger's career in environmental science spans more than 30 years. He received his PhD from Cornell University and his AB from Dartmouth College. Since 2001, he has been the Dean of Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences. He began his career at Duke in 1980, was awarded the prestigious James B. Duke Professor of Biogeochemistry in 1994, and oversaw Duke's ecology graduate program from 1999-2002. His research has taken him from the Mojave Desert of California to Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia.

Schlesinger was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2003 and is a fellow in both the American Geophysical Union and the Soil Science Society of America. A past president of the Ecological Society of America (2003-2004), he has served as a science advisor to government leaders at both the state and national level. Recent contributions include participating on the National Research Council's committee to review the U.S. Climate Change Program's strategic plan.

Schlesinger will succeed Dr. Gene E. Likens, the Institute's founding Director. Likens established the organization in 1983, and with his nurturing, it has matured into an internationally recognized leader in ecosystem science. His legacy includes building an endowment of $90 million, creating the influential Cary Conference Series, constructing the IES Auditorium and Gene E. Likens Laboratory, and hiring and retaining an influential group of scientists. Papers authored by IES scientists are among the most highly cited in peer-reviewed journals, an indicator of research strength and relevance.

"Dr. Schlesinger brings an international scientific reputation and a record of successful leadership at one of the nation's best universities. These achievements are consistent with the high standards for research and education at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies," notes Dr. Paul G. Risser, Chair of the Institute's Board of Trustees. "We are delighted with Dr. Schlesinger's appointment, which will continue the extraordinary inspiration provided by Dr. Gene E. Likens."

Photo Credit: Jim Wallace of Duke University Photography

The Nicholas School news release about Dr. Schlesinger is available at: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/news/ns-billleaving.html