“Gasping for Breath: What is taking the oxygen from our coastal waters?” will be the subject of the special public talk by oceanographer Dr. Katja Fennel, Wednesday, June 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library. Dr. Fennel’s program will shed light on the culprits, challenges, and possible solutions to the serious problem of oxygen deprivation that impacts our Chesapeake Bay in a big way.
Dr. Fennel is the 14th Ian Morris Scholar in Residence, a recognition presented biannually at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory (HPL). Scholars are selected by the HPL graduate students based on their academic record, field of research and ability to communicate and stimulate scientific excellence in others. During her week in residence, Fennel will give scientific talks to faculty and students, participate in seminars, and share a special public lecture.
Educated in Germany, Dr. Fennel is professor of Oceanography and part of the Marine Environmental Modelling Group at the highly respected Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her work focuses on the use of models as useful tools to advance our understanding of marine ecosystems and the cycling of carbon and other essential elements.
Mike Roman, HPL Director, shared his enthusiasm for Katja and her research, “Our Ian Morris Scholar in Residence program gives our graduate students the opportunity to interact with a world-renowned scientist for a week. This year we are fortunate to host Dr. Katja Fennel from Dalhousie University. Dr. Fennel is an international leader in the use of models to assess the impacts of climate change and land use on the marine environment.Models are increasingly powerful tools for predicting changes in marine environments in response to climate variability and direct human influences.”
The Horn Point Laboratory, has advanced this community and society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Horn Point scientists are widely respected for their interdisciplinary programs in oceanography, water quality, restoration of seagrasses, marshes and shellfish, and for expertise in ecosystem modeling. With ongoing research programs spanning from the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open waters of the world’s oceans, Horn Point is a national leader in applying environmental research and discovery to solve society’s most pressing environmental problems.
The Ian Morris Scholar in Residence is an endowed program to honor the memory of Ian Morris, Director of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) from 1981 to 1988. In his brief tenure, Dr. Morris’ contribution to the successful growth and scientific reputation of UMCES was enormous. Through the Scholar in Residence program, Ian Morris’ legacy continues to have a positive impact on the next generation of scientists and our local community.
For more information, contact Carin Starr at [email protected] or 410-221-8408.