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Volume 4 | September 2021
Lab Notes
the e-newsletter of the
Appalachian Laboratory
Volume 4, Issue 1
Featured Stories
Left: Dave Nelson; Right: Matt Fitzpatrick
New Leadership Team Selected at Appalachian Laboratory
This past summer, the Appalachian Laboratory welcomed two longtime faculty members to new leadership roles when Dr. David Nelson was named Director of the Appalachian Laboratory, and Dr. Matthew Fitzpatrick became the Laboratory's first Associate Director for Research. Former Director Dr. Eric Davidson recently stepped down to begin a Jefferson Science Fellowship at the US State Department.
Xin Zhang receives prestigious NSF CAREER Award
Dr. Xin Zhang is a 2021 recipient of a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award. Zhang, who joined the Laboratory in 2016, was also recently promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure at the Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
Upcoming Virtual Events
Appalachian Laboratory Watershed Moments logo
Watershed Moments Community Learning Series Update

Due to rising COVID-19 numbers in western Maryland, we are continuing to host online Watershed Moments events this fall. Information on both fall events can be found below along with links for registration. Until we can safely meet again in person, we look forward to seeing you online!

Please contact Rhonda Schwinabart at rschwinabart@umces.edu or 301-689-7102 with any event-related questions.
Thursday, October 14, 6:30pm, Zoom
Dr. Walter Boynton, UMCES- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Where Does All That Nitrogen Go…in the Patuxent and Elsewhere?

Dr. Walter Boynton, UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Nitrogen is one of the most important elements in the ecology of all ecosystems, including those dominated by humans. So, developing a better understanding of how nitrogen moves into and out of ecosystems is essential. Where does nitrogen come from and where does it wind up? What story does it tell?

The online event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Once registered, attendees will receive an email with Zoom access instructions. Please use the button to the left to register.
Thursday, November 4, 6:30pm, Zoom
Katie Fallon, Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia (ACCA), Inc. Photo courtesy of www.katiefallon.com/bio/
Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird


Vultures are often overlooked, underappreciated, and unloved, despite the vital role they play healthy ecosystems. Worldwide, vultures are more likely to be threatened or endangered than any other group of raptor, but in the United States Turkey and Black Vultures may be increasing in number. Based on Katie Fallon’s recent book, this fun presentation will discuss the life and times of the noble Turkey Vulture, including its feeding, nesting, and roosting habits, migratory behaviors, and common misconceptions

The online event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Once registered, attendees will receive an email with Zoom access instructions. Please use the button on the left to register

Science for Communities Webinar

On Tuesday, October 5, at 7pm, Dr. Mark Cochrane will present as part of the "Science for Community" series hosted by our sister laboratory the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL). For more information about this and other webinars in CBL's Science for Community Series use the "Learn More" link below.
Other News from the Lab
Garrett College student Richard Johnson
Garrett College Student Completes Summer Internship
In May 2021, Garrett College student and U.S. Army veteran Richard Johnson completed a 12-week research-focused internship at the Laboratory. Johnson worked with Dr. Dave Nelson and graduate student and fellow veteran (U.S. Air Force) Jonathan Johnson (no relation) on an ongoing project designed to learn more about how forests in the distant past changed in response to long-term changes in climate and fire.
Eric Davidson named Jefferson Science Fellow
As noted in an earlier story, former Appalachian Laboratory Director Eric Davidson was recently named a Jefferson Science Fellow. Launched in 2003, the Jefferson Science Fellows program engages members of the American academic STEM community in US foreign policy and international development. Dr. Davidson is currently serving as a science advisor in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Environmental Quality, in the U.S. State Department. Following completion of his fellowship, he will return to the Laboratory as a member of the faculty.
Help Support the Work of the Appalachian Laboratory
Are you committed to solving the environmental science challenges of our time? Perhaps you are passionate about educational opportunities for students or members of the community. Whatever your giving goals, your gift to the Appalachian Laboratory can help you fulfill that purpose.
Even the smallest gift can make a meaningful impact by...
Supporting Appalachian Laboratory scientists in addressing our most pressing environmental challenges through their cutting edge research at home and abroad;

Providing educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students training to become the next generation of scientists;

Recognizing the efforts of environmental educators in our local region through the Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award;

Encouraging lifelong learning in environmental science in our region through support for our environmental education and outreach activities.
To learn more about giving opportunities and the ways to make your gift to the Appalachian Laboratory, visit our giving website or use the "Make Your Gift" button above to give online today.

Thank You!