ECU names Brinson distinguished professor
Dr. Mark Brinson, a professor of biology at East Carolina University, has been named the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor for 1997-98.
In announcing the award, Dean Keats Sparrow, of the College of Arts and Sciences said the recognition is one of the highest honors given to a member of the faculty.
Brinson is a 24-year veteran at ECU. He has been active in research related to coastal wetlands and has helped develop courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.
“Since he first came to ECU in 1973 as an assistant professor, he has continued a theme of excellence in the classroom,” said Dr. Charles Bland, chair of the Biology Department.
“His ability to work with students and enable them to excel is the best that I have seen. And for that reason, a number of students, many from out-of-state, have come to the department specifically to work in his laboratory,” Bland said.
Brinson is the author of 29 journal articles, 7 book chapters and 29 reports. He was the associate editor for “Estuaries” and the co-editor of “Forested Wetlands,” a volume in the Ecosystems of the World Series.
While at ECU, Brinson has directed more than 30 research projects that were supported by $1.4 million in grants. He has consulted for various state and national agencies, conducted site reviews for the National Science Foundation, testified before U.S. Congressional committees, and served on numerous committees such as the Committee on Wetlands Characterization for the National Research Council for the National Academy of Sciences. From 1990-91, he was president of the Society of Wetland Scientists.
He was one of the first scientists to study the ecological effect of river bank forests. He is currently investigating the function of wetlands and the effect of rising sea levels on coastal marshes.
As recognition of his outstanding research, the ECU Board of Trustees recently named Brinson a Distinguished Research Professor and awarded him a Lifetime Achievement in Research Award.
The Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professorship is a lifetime honor that includes a cash gift and additional support for research, presentations, conferences, and other discipline-related activities throughout the year. Brinson will be honored on Oct. 22 with a public lecture at ECU by Ariel Lugo, a world authority on tropical forests. Brinson studied under Dr. Lugo at the University of Florida.