Sea scientists honor
UH researcherThe oceanographer
wins recognition for his
microbial research
David Karl, University of Hawaii oceanographer and microbial biologist, has received the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's highest honor.
The Henry Bryant Bigelow Award in Oceanography recognizes Karl's contributions to the field of microbiology and study of the sea's microorganisms.
David Karl: The Bigelow Medal is the highest honor from the Woods Hole institution
Karl said the award "acknowledges the scientific contributions of my staff here in Hawaii. My group has been working very hard the last 15 years on the HOT (Hawaii Ocean Time-series) Program."
The UH researchers have been taking measurements every month at an ocean site called Station Aloha about 60 miles north of Oahu. Similar studies have been done the past 15 years at a Bermuda station.
John Hayes, Bigelow Medal Committee chairman at Woods Hole, said Karl's accomplishments "have revolutionized our view of microorganisms in the ocean.
"By developing projects that have attracted numerous co-workers and by sharing all of the observations through freely accessible databases, as well as by publishing more than 240 research papers, he has amplified his impact and become one of the leading figures in oceanography."
Karl has participated in more than 70 major oceanographic cruises and 30 research dives. He has spent more than three full years at sea, including 23 Antarctic expeditions.
He developed methods early in his career to measure and characterize microorganisms, the smallest life forms in the sea. He helped to establish a Long-Term Ecological Research site near Palmer Station in Antarctica.
The Bigelow award is the latest of many awards and honors bestowed on the 54-year-old marine scientist.
Woods Hole, based on Cape Code in Massachusetts, said Karl's colleagues praised his "originality, breadth and depth, exceptional creativity, insightfulness and visionary perspective and leadership."
Robert Gagosian, Woods Hole director and president, said "Karl's work and vision have influenced the directions and perspectives of several disciplines, and he continues to apply a broad perspective to the studies of climate change, microbial biology and ocean engineering, and to oceanography in general."
Karl earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1971 at the State University College at Buffalo, N.Y., a master's degree in biological oceanography in 1974 from Florida State University and a doctorate in oceanography in 1978 from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego.
He joined UH in 1978 as an assistant professor of oceanography and became a full professor in 1987.
The Bigelow Award, comprising a medal and cash prize, was established in 1960 to honor the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's first director.
Scientists worldwide nominate candidates for the award, presented to "those who make significant inquiries into the phenomena of the sea."
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
www.whoi.edu
UH Oceanography Department
www.soest.hawaii.edu/oceanography
Hawaii Ocean Time-series
www.hahana.soest.hawaii.edu/hot/hot_jgofs.html
