Two senior scientists appointed to new positions
Dr. Nicholas Bates (left) and Dr. Gerald Plumley |
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BBSR is delighted to announce the promotions of two of its senior research scientists.
Dr. Nicholas R. Bates has been appointed as BBSR's Associate
Director for Research, and Dr. F. Gerald Plumley is now Deputy Director of BBSR.Dr. Bates began his career in Bermuda in 1986 as a work-study student, returning after receiving his doctoral degree in
chemical oceanography from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. He became an assistant research scientist in 1996, and quickly ascended to associate research scientist
in 1999 and senior research scientist in 2002. Dr. Bates' primary interest is in studying the oceanic carbon cycle and its role in regulating the global climate. He is involved in many of
BBSR's oceanographic programs, including the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study and the
impacts of increasing carbon dioxide levels on the world's coral reef ecosystems.
Dr. Plumley, a botanist and molecular biologist, joined BBSR as a senior research scientist in 2004 after spending many years as a professor at the University of Alaska. He received his
doctoral degree in 1983 from the University of Georgia. Dr. Plumley's research focuses on the proteomics and genomics of marine microorganisms. He is currently investigating two main
areas: photosynthesis and harmful algal blooms. Dr. Plumley was appointed Education Director shortly after joining BBSR and has taken a leading role in expanding and enhancing BBSR's undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
"Both Nick and Gerry bring something unique and extremely valuable to their new positions," said Dr. Tony Knap, President and Director of BBSR.
"Nick has nearly 20 years of experience in investigating the Sargasso Sea, and he carries an extensive knowledge of the background, findings and future potential of each of BBSR's research programs.
"Gerry is a very experienced marine scientist and educator. He brings a fresh perspective to BBSR's research and education programs, along with expertise in ocean genomics, one of the
most important and rapidly expanding fields in marine science today." |
BBSR launches Science and Public Policy Lecture Series Over the last decade, BBSR has brought some of world's leading scientists to Bermuda to give public lectures on subjects both interesting and vital to the
local community. Some of those speakers have included genomics expert J. Craig Venter, hurricane forecaster Lixion Avila and oceanographer Robert Gagosian. As a leading scientific institution, one of our
goals is to interact with and educate the community on a broad range of subjects. With this in mind, BBSR launched a new initiative this year with the Science and Public Policy Lecture Series.
BBSR was incredibly fortunate to host internationally renowned marine biologist Sylvia Earle
for the inaugural lecture in this series. Dr. Earle, a National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, gave a fascinating and insightful talk in September at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. One of Dr. Earle's passions is to pass on her knowledge and love of the ocean to the next generation. During her visit, she also met with 50 local students at the Bermuda Aquarium to discuss her experiences as a marine scientist, answer their questions and encourage them to learn more about the ocean surrounding them.
In October, one of the world's top hurricane experts came to BBSR for a Risk Prediction Initiative workshop on extreme climate events.
Dr. Kerry Emanuel, a meteorologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, began his visit with a public lecture on the incredible
power and complexity of hurricanes, always a subject of great interest to Bermuda's residents. As this issue of Currents
goes to press, BBSR is awaiting the arrival of environmental lawyer and activist
Robert Kennedy Jr.
for the third lecture in the series, to be held on November 4. In 2006, BBSR will strive to bring more of the most compelling scientists and public policy experts in the world to Bermuda. In many instances, the lectures will take place at venues in and around Hamilton to make it easier for our members and supporters to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from and interact with these fascinating speakers.
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