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Professor emeritus honored as outstanding educator

Scott Warren, the Jean C. Tempel '65 Professor Emeritus of Botany at Connecticut College, has received the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation's William A. Niering Outstanding Educator Award. Warren accepted the award, which recognizes his 37 years of dedication to teaching and research, at Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation's 2009 conference in Portland, Ore., Nov. 1-5.

At Connecticut College, Warren taught coastal ecology and conducted research on salt marshes and the impacts of human development on coastal ecosystems. Former students often describe him as "inspirational" and point to his mentoring as the reason they pursued careers in coastal ecology.

Warren is "one of the most effective student mentors in New England and a proponent for wetland preservation who backs his emotion with authoritative science," said David Foster, a 1977 Connecticut College graduate and director of Harvard Forest.

"He's that rare scientist who maintains a leadership role in his research discipline, while also sharing his knowledge with students in an inspiring manner," said Charley Roman, a salt marsh ecologist with the National Park Service who earned a master's degree at Connecticut College in 1979.

Warren has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals; 21 undergraduate students helped author the publications. In 2006, the college's Student Government Association recognized Warren for his dedication to teaching and research. Warren's influence went beyond the academic setting, as he believed strongly in informing the public about coastal management issues. Over his career, Warren gave countless print and broadcast media interviews as an authority on estuarine ecology.

The William A. Niering Outstanding Educator Award was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have played significant roles in education at any level. The award is named for the late William A. Niering, a leader in estuarine education and the Lucretia L. Allyn Professor Emeritus of Botany at Connecticut College.

The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation is a private, nonprofit organization of individuals who study and manage the structure and functions of estuaries and the effects of human activities on these fragile environments. The Federation works to promote research in estuarine and coastal ecosystems and support the education of scientists, decision-makers and the public.



November 10, 2009