|
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Larry Robinson, Ph.D., a Florida A&M University (FAMU) professor in the Environmental Science Institute, was recently selected to be one of the 16 scientists and engineers selected to serve a three-year term as a founding member of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Science Technology Education Advisory Committee (STEAC).
“I feel extremely fortunate to be selected to serve on STEAC and to be able to provide input on what might very well become one of the most important investments our nation will make in the understanding of ecological issues over the next several decades,” said Robinson.
A broad range of stakeholders will benefit from NEON including citizens, scientists, educators, and students at all levels. In May 2008, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded NEON $20.7 million for organizational and project management support and a separate $3.8 million in support of completion of the NEON Cyber Infrastructure construction design.
NEON will be a NSF sponsored network of permanent and mobile research facilities designed to study long-term and large-scale ecological change. NEON’s facilities and associated data products will transform ecological research and education throughout the nation by enhancing the understanding and forecasting of the impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species.
Membership on STEAC is approved by NSF and the NEON board of directors.
According to Robinson, the STEAC is NEON’s primary technical advisory committee and will provide strategic guidance on the planning, construction and operations of NEON and advice on emerging science issues.
In 2007, Robinson also served as a member of NEON’s Education Tiger Team, which recently released the NEON Education and Outreach Strategic Plan.
- 30 -
|
