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Back to Press ReleasesSource: Richard E. Warner (217)333-5199 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2002 URBANA--Richard E. Warner, a University of Illinois ecologist and administrator, has been appointed the director of the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program (IISG), announced Paul W. Bohn, interim vice chancellor for research. "Warner has an ideal background to help our campus address the emerging issues and opportunities pertaining to an enhanced and sustainable environment and economy in the metroplex along southern Lake Michigan," said Bohn. "These issues are critical to our state and region and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is an ideal hub for these activities." Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant strives to foster stewardship of the Lake Michigan coast in the two states through education, outreach and research. One of 30 Sea Grant programs across the United States, IISG is funded by the U. S. Department of Commerce National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as the U of I and Purdue University in Indiana. Warner brings to Sea Grant a background rich in fisheries and wildlife research with an emphasis on solving problems. "As an ecologist, I've used a systems approach, combining different knowledge bases and schools of thought. I think it's important to bring together a variety of agencies to address problems and to consider solutions," said Warner. He has been the interim director of IISG since Phillip Pope retired in 2001. He began his research career at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) in 1975 and was awarded his doctorate in interdisciplinary environmental studies from the U of I in 1981. In 1990, Warner took on an administrative role as the INHS director of the Center For Wildlife Ecology. Since then he has held a number of administrative and academic positions at the U of I, most recently assistant dean for research in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). He is also a professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. "I'd like Sea Grant to be a clearinghouse for unbiased, sound scientific information about coastal concerns," said Warner. "Through increased education and communication efforts we can raise awareness and help facilitate solutions related to critical issues such as coastal development, water quality and the impact of invasive species." The southern Lake Michigan region is the third highest population center in the country and the largest that sits on fresh water. "With its connection to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, critical issues along Lake Michigan can take on national importance," said Warner. "With the Sea Grant program in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research," added Bohn, "our colleges and the scientific surveys will work more effectively on these complex, cross-cutting issues. It will serve as a focus for these activities, providing conceptual leadership, identifying funding opportunities and linking use with our municipal, state and federal partners in the region. "We expect that the federal government will pay more attention to policy, research, and outreach needs in the Great Lakes region in the future. Through both land-grant universities, the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program will help the two states communicate effectively with federal agencies and policy-makers, and benefit from these funding opportunities."
Irene Miles |
