School Awards Ceremony 2012
On Friday, April 6th, the School of Natural Resources and the Environment held its annual Awards Ceremony in the Saguaro Hall courtyard. The nearly 100 attendees were treated to delicious food, lively conversation, and the opportunity to acknowledge outstanding achievements by our friends and colleagues.
Many achievements were recognized by students and faculty within the wildlife, watershed and rangeland program areas. The Natural 
Resources Graduate Student Organization made surprise awards for noteworthy and humorous achievements, which added a very welcomed atmosphere of conviviality to the proceedings.
The following text describes the award recipients and a short description of the achievements recognized by the award. Pictures accompany most award description; however some recipients were not in attendance.
2011 Outstanding Alumnus is Bob Hernbrode (Class of 1968)
This award recognizes the contributions of one of our graduates through professional or civic work. Their contributions may have been in the areas of administration or management of natural resource systems, research accomplishments, education, communication, or leadership in professional and civic organizations.Bob Hernbrode graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the University of Arizona in the late 1960s and has been a champion of wildlife management, conservation, and education since that time. He has had a distinguished career spanning more than 35-years as a wildlife biologist and a 5-year term as an Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner.
As a wildlife biologist he began at the Arizona Game and Fish Department where he spent 8 years as a District Wildlife Manger then a Regional Game Specialist. He then moved to Colorado to work for the Colorado Division of Wildlife for more than 28 years. His positions in Colorado encompassed wildlife management, conservation and education, including Federal Aid Coordinator, Big Game Supervisor, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator, and Chief of Wildlife Education. After retiring in 2003 Bob and his wife moved back to Tucson to be close to their families and the Sonoran Desert. In January 2005, the Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, nominated Bob for a 5-year appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. He was confirmed by the Arizona State Senate and he completed his 5-year term as a Commissioner in January 2010.
Bob’s early career was focused on wildlife management and he has always been a strong supporter of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Later on Bob’s career began to focus more on wildlife education and he started Colorado’s Watchable Wildlife Program in 1986. He eventually became the Chief of Wildlife Education for Colorado Division of Wildlife. As a commissioner he brought with him many years of expertise in wildlife management, education and working with constituents, and he served diligently to bring about sound decisions that would conserve and enhance Arizona’s wildlife resources. In his retirement he is still a strong supports of science education and citizen science initiatives for the public so that future generations can have the same experiences with wildlife that he has had.
As a wildlife biologist he began at the Arizona Game and Fish Department where he spent 8 years as a District Wildlife Manger then a Regional Game Specialist. He then moved to Colorado to work for the Colorado Division of Wildlife for more than 28 years. His positions in Colorado encompassed wildlife management, conservation and education, including Federal Aid Coordinator, Big Game Supervisor, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator, and Chief of Wildlife Education. After retiring in 2003 Bob and his wife moved back to Tucson to be close to their families and the Sonoran Desert. In January 2005, the Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, nominated Bob for a 5-year appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. He was confirmed by the Arizona State Senate and he completed his 5-year term as a Commissioner in January 2010.
Bob’s early career was focused on wildlife management and he has always been a strong supporter of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Later on Bob’s career began to focus more on wildlife education and he started Colorado’s Watchable Wildlife Program in 1986. He eventually became the Chief of Wildlife Education for Colorado Division of Wildlife. As a commissioner he brought with him many years of expertise in wildlife management, education and working with constituents, and he served diligently to bring about sound decisions that would conserve and enhance Arizona’s wildlife resources. In his retirement he is still a strong supports of science education and citizen science initiatives for the public so that future generations can have the same experiences with wildlife that he has had.
Outstanding Senior is Ms. Caitlin Stark
This award is given to a senior graduating student with outstanding contributions to the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, the community, and the study of natural resources.Ms. Stark is graduating from the Wildlife and Fisheries Program with a perfect GPA. In addition, she is recognized for her initiative to seek out every possible learning experience, including volunteering with PANGAS and with natural resources projects in South America.
Outstanding Thesis Award went to Mr. Josh Conver and Thesis Advisor Don Falk
This award is given to a Masters student who has excelled in all phases of the research program. Criteria include selection of demanding and topical areas of study, original and creative development of data gathering and data analysis, and the combination of precision, clarity and eloquence in the thesis text.Thesis title: Stochastic Modeling of a Montane Grassland-Forest Landscape in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico.
His thesis is recognized for leading to the production of a lengthy and complete understanding of fire effects and behavior across a large, spatially complex landscape. Despite the complexity of the subject, his thesis is characterized by clarity of thought and accessibility of terminology.
Outstanding Dissertation and Outstanding Student Scholarly Achievement went to Adrian Munguia-Vega and Dissertation Advisor Melanie Culver
Outstanding Dissertation is given to a Doctoral student who has excelled in all phases of the dissertation research program. Criteria include selection of demanding and topical areas of study, original and creative development of data gathering and data analysis, and the combination of precision, clarity and eloquence in the thesis text. This award recognizes both the student's achievement and the advisor's contribution to the Dissertation.Adrian’s dissertation is titled, Habitat fragmentation in the Sonoran Desert of the Baja California Peninsula and its effects on the genetic structure of endemic vertebrates with contrasting dispersal behavior. Adrian has already published 2 chapters from his dissertation, a 3rd is currently in review, and 3 others are in preparation. One reviewer commented on Adrian’s diverse background and skill set as a natural historian, ecologist, organismal biologist, and geneticist, which allowed him to plan and execute such a diverse and ambitious dissertation project. The reviewers were particularly impressed by Adrian's creative use of conservation genetics as a tool to assess the extent and effect of habitat fragmentation on various species of isolated mammals and reptiles.
Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarly Achievement Award is intended to recognize outstanding scholarship of currently enrolled Masters and PhD students. This award recognizes graduate students that have made an outstanding contribution to the body of scientific knowledge through theoretical or applied research.
Adrian’s collective record of scholarly achievements over the course of his relatively short academic career has been equally as impressive as his dissertation. He has authored or co-authored > 20 refereed journal articles on a diverse array of topics, with at least 15 of these articles being published within the last 5 years. This level of productivity is even more impressive when one considers that it was achieved while Adrian was working on his dissertation and as a valued research assistant for at least 2 professors in the SNRE.
Student Leadership went to Kelsey Hawkes
This award recognizes the contributions of our student leaders in bringing together students to share and engage in relevant science related topics in the Field of Natural Resources. Awards will be given to the following student clubs: Natural Resources Graduate Student Organization (NRGSO), Tierra Seca: Student Chapter of the Society for Range Management, Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.Kelsey Hawkes (a.k.a. "Mama Goose") was nominated for the Student Leadership Award by both 11 SNRE faculty and 12 student supporters. She has been an active member of Tierra Seca for two years, including the past year as its president. Through significant planning, securing funds, and organization/logistics, she made it possible for 9 SNRE students to attend the Society for Range Management meetings in Spokane, WA in February, which included a UofA 4th place (out of 25) finish in the arduous and comprehensive Undergraduate Range Management Team competition.
2012 Outstanding Alumnus went to Dan Bell (SNRE Class of 1994)
This award recognizes the contributions of one of our graduates through professional or civic work. Their contributions may have been in the areas of administration or management of natural resource systems, research accomplishments, education, communication, or leadership in professional and civic organizations.Dan Bell is a third generation rancher and is currently the president of the ZZ Cattle Corporation with land and allotments along the Mexico-US border near Nogales, Arizona. A certified Rangelend Professional, Dan is known among his peers and government agency and university partners as not only a highly successful producer, but also an exemplary steward, with notable and long-term dedication to sustainable rangeland management and unselfish commitment to science and policy. This includes significant service at the local, state and national level (e.g., Society for Range Management, Cattle Growers Association, the Governor's Rangeland Technical Advisory Council, the Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension). He has taken on controversial issues with results, most recently exemplified by designing, hosting and running a number of important meetings focused on learning about and addressing problems presented by serious international border issues.
Public Service Award went to Greg Butler
This award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding public service through professional contributions that go well beyond university-related responsibilities. The individual's public service activities should reflect the School's commitment to addressing contemporary natural resource issues with scholarly rigor and enthusiasm.Greg is dedicated to finding and organizing service projects and service events for the Natural Resources Graduate Student Organization (NRGSO) and other UA students. This past year Greg organized 3 additional service projects for NRGSO: for The Nature Conservancy at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve on habitat and re-vegetation projects; for TNC at Ramsey Canyon for landscaping and habitat improvement projects; and for the Santa Rita Experimental Range, for vegetation removal and fire protection projects. He has inspired a new element of service and camaraderie in NRGSO, which the group hopes to continue after he graduates this spring.
“Blooper” Award went to Alex Ochoa-Hein
This award recognizes a humorous, embarrassing, or ironic occurrence to a member of the School. This is a "light-hearted" ("light-headed?"), good-natured award designed to entertain members of the School at the expense of some unfortunate soul.Alex Ochoa-Hein's "Helly Kitty" experience that began with a valiant effort to save an apparently lost kitten in his attic and finished with him crashing through his neighbor’s ceiling with said cat is worthy of the Blooper Award. As is his explanation to that neighbor, who turned out to be fellow SNRE student, Ashwin Naidu: "Dude, don't be surprised if you find a big hole in your bathroom ceiling."
Outstanding Student Assistant went to Amber Lovett
This award is made to recognize the contributions of one of our student office assistants for their contributions in the areas of office administration and commitment to ensuring our School operates in an efficient and timely manner. The success of our School is heavily dependent on their contributions.Amber is a junior, triple-majoring in Creative Writing, English, and Italian, and is in the English Honors Program. She is fluent in Italian and will be studying abroad for a month this summer in Italy.
We appreciate Amber’s prompt responses to our inquiries, her attention to detail, and her dedication to the job. In one semester, she has become our webmaster, attending classes on her own time to learn about the SNRE website. Amber has developed strong Photoshop skills, and along with her strong writing skills, has been an asset to developing and editing content for the SNRE website.
Amber is naturally organized, efficient, and focused; her greatest strength is her love of learning. She brings a healthy dose of sunshine into the business office with her smile and positive attitude.
Staff Award of Excellence went to Ashley Stewart
This award recognizes and honors unusual dedication and outstanding contributions by a classified staff member to the School of Natural Resources and the Environment.
Ashley is an invaluable to all of us in SNRE, providing information and support on a wide array of business tasks, from purchasing, travel, room scheduling, and in many other areas. She is extremely efficient and organized, and is the backbone behind many aspects of SNRE.
Ashley’s participation in the SNRE’s Assistant Professor of Riparian Ecohydrology Search was especially valuable; she even worked on behalf of the committee on her days off while she was at home and sick!
The recent transitions in the business office have been challenging for everyone in SNRE, and Ashley’s presence in the main office has made those transitions much easier.
Ashley has a special uplifting and spirited presence that makes visiting the main office a bright spot for all of us.
Outstanding Course Award to three different courses and one honorable mention:
This award recognizes a course that is deemed excellent based on its being current, comprehensive and/or broadly based (from theory to application), relevant across disciplines if appropriate, challenging, well-taught, and highly regarded by both faculty and students.
Steve Smith for Field Botany (RNR 230)Teaches with palpable enthusiasm for the subject that impassions students about the subject matter and convinces students to become SNRE majors. Approaches teaching from both a practical and theory-based fashion that seamlessly integrates the lecture and laboratory deliveries.
Jeff Fehmi for Rangeland Inventory and Monitoring (RAM 456a/556a)
He has successfully structured the course to integrate theory, application, and competence. He uses class room lectures to introduce topics, field exercises to apply the methods, and homework reports and discussion to build competence in the method. He uses a respectful and mild-mannered approach to gently move the students to mastery.
Bill Shaw and Jennifer Duberstein for Human Dimensions in Renewable Natural Resources (RNR595c)Ecotourism, field trips to Mexico (has been taught for 20 years) and San Pedro, insightful, networking opportunities provided. The course builds a profound understanding of the potential role that ecotourism can play in global conservation issues. All who have taken the course have been deeply and permanently affected by the week-long field trip to Baja California to experience first-hand the role of ecotourism on conservation.
Honorable Mention to Rafe Sagarin for Observations and Life Sciences (RNR 596c)
A newly designed course that focused on observational science and how it is different from experimental science. The course covered the history of observational science, its relevance, methods and connection to education from kindergarten to life-long learning beyond the classroom.
Outstanding Scholarly Achievement Award went to Don Falk
This award is intended to recognize outstanding scholarship, i.e., an outstanding original contribution to the body of scientific knowledge and understanding through theoretical or applied research.He was a co-editor of “The Landscape Ecology of Fire”, a book published in 2011 by Springer. The Landscape Ecology of Fire is a synthesis of work addressing state-of-the –art theoretical and applied understanding of fire on the landscape. Given the increasing importance of fire in our landscape, this book is especially timely. This pioneering work addresses the influence of fire as biophysical and ecological process from local to continental scales, and the multiple causes and effects of changes in fire regimes through time.
Outstanding Faculty of the Year went to Stuart Marsh
This award is intended to recognize an individual faculty member who personifies the ideal of outstanding teaching, advising, research and/or university service.As his nomination stated: “Dr. Marsh is highly and widely respected across campus for his scholarship, his collegiality, his willingness to serve in any position of responsibility or assistance, his teaching and, of course, his mentoring. Beyond his achievements and general trust-worthiness, Dr. Marsh is one of the most generous and kind people I have had the good fortune to know. His first – and often last concern – is making sure that the needs of others are met, whether they are administrators, colleagues, citizens, students, the custodial staff, or the people serving him a meal. He is a truly wonderful person.” Dr. Marsh received a host of positive letters from graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators. He truly is respected by a wide range of people.
