The Island View
Monthly Newsletter
May 2022
Photo credit: J. Seavey, 2020
Dear SML Community,

So many of us can recall That One Teacher… the person who opened your eyes, heart, and mind to a whole new way of engaging with the world - perhaps even changed your life. The poet W.B. Yeats said that “education if not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” Research shows that a great teacher has positive economic and social returns for their students and our communities. We need to cultivate and reward great teachers.

The SML community lost a legendary “life-changing” teacher and former director (1979-94), JB Heiser, who passed away on Earth Day. In 2020, Mark Forman, a retired video producer for UNH, shared: “I think it’s easy to be seduced into thinking that the accumulation of knowledge is sufficient to pass along that knowledge. In my experience, that’s not true. And I hate to use the word ‘educator’ because that doesn’t really encompass the skill and wisdom of someone like JB Heiser. He knew how to communicate and inspire.”

JB was a truly inspirational teacher and SML has so many amazing teachers who create life changing experiences for students with their passion, care, and knowledge. JB said in 2012, "Being director was a gift because you saw people changing, growing, and really getting into things, which you often don't see on campus. It's a different atmosphere [at Shoals]. So many people go away from there saying, 'That was one of the best experiences I have ever had.' It was a great pleasure to see and has always been something I cherished." JB, I could not agree more and am looking forward to this week’s start of Summer 2022. Here’s to a summer of engaged and inspiring learning experiences in a special, singular place.
Warm wishes,
Jennifer Seavey, Ph.D.
Kingsbury Executive Director
Shoals Marine Laboratory
The Passing of JB Heiser
Our Shoals Marine Lab family suffered an immeasurable loss on April 22, 2022 when John Barrett Heiser, known to all of us as JB, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center with three close friends by his side. He was 77. It was the sad but not unexpected end of a medical battle he fought with stubborn determination and surprisingly good cheer for more than four years.

JB played a pivotal role in the Shoals Lab’s development and evolution. John M. Kingsbury, known as Jack, was the lab's Founding Director in 1966, and JB became the second Director in 1979. The two are legendary in the annals of Shoals Lab history. While they had many colleagues who helped along the way, the lab would not be what it is today without them.

Born on January 21, 1945 in Princeton, Indiana, JB was the only child of John Heiser...
Leaders in Sustainability
Our very own Ross Hansen, SML's Director of Facilities and Planning, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 2022 Staff Sustainability Awards at UNH!

Ross has been a champion of SML sustainability for well over a decade, having led the development of both the sustainability infrastructure on Shoals Island campus and developed sustainability engineering training programs. Under his leadership, the lab has reduced diesel use by 90%, decreased propane use by 60%, increased recycling and reduced energy use through dozens of power-saving projects across the center.

Speaking of great teachers, SML faculty, Dr. Lindsey Williams, NH SeaGrant Associate Director and Assistant Director for Workforce Development, was recognized for the amazing SML course: Sustainable Fisheries that she co-teachers with Dr. Owen Nichols.
Welcome, Casey!

Meet Casey Snook, our new Communications and Public Engagement Coordinator! Casey will be working closely with Amy Fish, Director of Community Relations, to bring the amazing work of Shoals Marine Lab to the world.
Casey comes to us after finishing her master's degree in marine conservation in Plymouth, England and living in Germany. She is excited to be back in the Seacoast and to dive into island life this summer!
Public Programs Are Open!
Registration for 2022 overnight public programs is OPEN!

Are you looking for an opportunity to embrace your artistic side? Explore the Seascapes & Landscapes program! Join local artists and explore the beautiful landscapes, flora, and fauna of Appledore Island for a four-night, five-day creative getaway. And it is not just about art! Learn about the complex ecology surrounding the Isles of Shoals while exploring new mediums, techniques, and styles.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to hosting you on Appledore this summer!
Shoals Marine Laboratory is a joint partnership between
Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire.