A luncheon was held at MSRC yesterday in honor of Jim and Marilyn Simons whose generous gift to the Jerry R. Schubel Fellowship initiated its $500,000 endowment. The Simons’ challenge grant matched all contributions to the fund dollar for dollar until the fundraising goal was reached. Their generosity – combined with the generosity of 40 other contributors – helped complete the initial fundraising campaign only four months after the fund was announced.
MSRC Dean and Director David Conover welcomed the crowd, thanked the Simons for getting the fellowship off the ground, and introduced the inaugural award recipients – Lynn Abramson and Christine 0 ‘Connell. Conover explained that two awards would be given annually to MSRC graduate students interested in transforming science into informed public policy or making science available to a wider audience.
Dr. Schubel, MSRC Dean and Director from 1974 to 1994, is strongly committed to applying scientific research to today’s environmental problems. The Fellows will spend a week this summer working with Dr. Schubel on an ocean literacy conference at the Aquarium of the Pacific where he serves as CEO.
Lynn Abramson is a PhD student studying marine biogeochemistry. Her research looks at mechanisms of carbon cycling in the water column- an important aspect of global climate change. Abramson is also active in science education and mentoring students through the University’s WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) program. As part of the Schubel Fellowship, Abramson explained, “I plan to organize an after-school or summer oceanography program for middle school students in underserved Suffolk County school districts. The University has several programs geared towards improving science education in these clistricts, but they mostly lack an environmental science component. This project will be a wonderful opportunity for me to improve my range and skills as a teacher, and for MSRC to increase its involvement in K-12 science education.” She added, “I feel privileged to have been selected for this fellowship, especially since all of the applicants were highly qualified and equally deserving.”
Christine O’Connell – also a PhD student- is studying marine policy and zoning in Long Island Sound (LIS). O’Connell noted, “In keeping with the Schubel Fellowship, my goal is to affect positive environmental change by utilizing a combination of research, outreach, management, and policy. Specifically, I hope to focus my PhD on examining the feasibility of marine zoning in LIS and its potential environmental, economic and political impact … Marine zoning not only focuses on ecological preservation, but also creates a framework to help balance and mitigate different uses and interests within our marine environments.” O’Connell is also working with the Jamaica Bay Advisory Committee creating goals and recommendations for the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protectiton and City Council to develop a watershed management plan for Jamaica Bay.
