Just Announced at the
Bay-Delta Science Conference
Dr. Janet (Jan) K. Thompson is being honored by her peers as the recipient of the 2026 Brown-Nichols Science Award. A research scientist with the United States Geological Survey who has studied the Bay-Delta for more than fifty years, she has fundamentally changed the way we understand and manage the estuary. Jan’s work has reshaped the conceptual model of the estuary by connecting disciplines that are often considered separately and demonstrating the central role of benthic communities in driving ecosystem dynamics.
Beyond her impressive scientific contributions, Jan has been a stalwart champion for women in science and an especially important mentor to early-career women scientists. Her scientific insight, interdisciplinary perspective, and commitment to supporting others have left an enduring mark on both the Bay-Delta and its scientific community.
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