Meg Lowman, professor of biology and environmental studies and director of environmental initiatives at New College of Florida, recently qualified for the Specialists Roster of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Consideration for the Fulbright Specialists Roster required Lowman to demonstrate that she is a leader in her field.
As a specialist, Lowman will be placed with overseas academic institutions in countries where needs for conservation, forest ecology or science education are requested.
The Fulbright Specialists Program is designed to provide short-term academic opportunities, ranging from two to six weeks, for U.S.faculty and professionals.
The program aims to increase the participation of leading U.S. scholars and professionals in Fulbright academic exchanges, encourage new activities that go beyond the traditional Fulbright activities of lecturing and research and to promote connections between U.S. and non-U.S. post-secondary academic institutions.
Prior to committee and peer review, Lowman wrote a personal essay on her accomplishments in life, was recommended by her division chair and presented international references to the council for consideration. Lowman is the first professor from New College of Florida to be approved for candidacy on the Fulbright Specialists Roster.
“It makes a difference for our environmental studies students to see faculty out there acting, not just talking, about environmental causes or conservation,” Lowman said in a printed release. “And, with short visits, I can make an impact without having to be away from New College for a whole year.”
Lowman specializes in canopy ecology, science education and conservation biology.
Her research on tropical rain forests spans over 30 years in Australia, Peru, Africa, the Americas and the South Pacific
In the treetops, she pioneered work on plant-insect interactions and developed new methods of canopy access. She co-edited the definitive textbook “Canopy Biology” and chaired the first two international canopy conferences in 1994 and 1998.
Lowman continues to combine research and education with student outreach projects both in southwest Florida and in tropical countries around the world.
She is working with Sarasota County to develop a biological field station for scientists and New College students and a Center for Progressive Land Use as a collaborative Florida-wide institution.
Baber completes U.S. Navy basic recruit training
Navy Seaman Recruit Kyle C. Baber, son of Andrea L. Schiffman and William S. Baber of Sarasota, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
Baber is a 2008 graduate of Sarasota High School.
