Dr. Meg Lowman Appointed as Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies

(Sarasota) New College of Florida is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Margaret Lowman as Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies.  Dr. Lowman is the first full-time faculty member of the Environmental Studies program, founded in 1972 by former New College president John Elmendorf. Dr. Lowman joins co-directors Jono Miller and Julie Morris, New College graduates who have coordinated the program since 1981. An interdisciplinary program, Environmental Studies draws students from varied backgrounds to bring their diverse skills to bear on questions regarding the relationship between people and the environment.

“Meg brings to New College a tremendous record of professional accomplishment as well as a gifted teacher's natural ability to connect with our students.  Her appointment to the faculty will open up exciting new possibilities for our Environmental Studies Program while also generating opportunities for us to partner with Sarasota County on projects of mutual interest and benefit,” explains Dr. Gordon E. “Mike” Michalson, New College President.

Dr. Lowman joins the New College faculty after 11 years of service at Selby Gardens, which, under her leadership, expanded its fundraising by over 100%. In addition to her valuable experience at Selby, Dr. Lowman offers to the New College faculty a wealth of knowledge in environmental issues. Her expertise involves canopy ecology, particularly plant-insect relationships, and spans over 25 years in Australia, Peru, Africa, the Americas, and the South Pacific. She has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications and four books, including her most recent, Forest Canopies, published in August 2004 by Elsevier Press.

Dr. Lowman’s most well-known work involves forest canopies, in which field she has become a world-renowned scholar. She has developed an expertise for the use of different canopy access techniques, including ropes, walkways, hot air balloons, construction cranes, and combinations of these methods. She has also received countless awards and recognitions, including a Pew Fellow nomination (1993), the Margaret Douglas Medal for Achievement in Conservation Education from the Garden Club of America (1999), and The Eugene Odum Prize for Excellence in Ecology Education from the Ecological Society of America (2002). She serves on the board of various environmental groups, and even has the honor of having an asteroid named after her!

Dr. Lowman will also fulfill the administrative function of Director of Environmental Initiatives, a position made possible by a unique joint funding effort between the New College Foundation and Sarasota County Environmental Services. Through this partnership, Dr. Lowman will network regionally, nationally, and internationally, and conduct feasibility research towards the shared goal of establishing a local Center for Conservation and environmental education. She will also oversee volunteer efforts by New College students in the local community. The Environmental Initiatives program represents New College’s continued commitment to local outreach and volunteerism. Under the guidance of Dr. Lowman, New College has two Environmental Initiatives planned.

Dr. Lowman will direct Science Outreach for Students (SOS) at New College, a new program at the college providing mentorship to students at local public schools. Fulfilling New College’s role in the Governor’s Opportunity Alliance, the SOS program provides lectures and hands-on experiences, taught by New College students, for science classes at Booker Middle School, as well as guided nature walks of environmentally sensitive lands for students and their families.

In partnership with Sarasota County, Dr. Lowman will oversee a new internship program providing New College students the opportunity to become involved in local conservation efforts. A group of Environmental Studies students, under Dr. Lowman’s guidance, will lead nature walks in Sarasota County’s environmentally sensitive lands. The program, aptly named “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” will give local residents a chance to explore local natural resources in guided tours through areas such as Myakka River State Park, and Carlton Reserve. The first walks are scheduled to take place in October and November. Under Dr. Lowman’s supervision, students will contribute biodiversity and environmental projects as required for various county initiatives on the environmentally sensitive lands.  A long-term goal shared by the County and New College is to create a nationally renowned biological field station for research and education of our unique ecosystems of subtropical Florida. This innovative partnership combines the academic strengths of New College with the unique resources of natural lands and their stewardship throughout Sarasota County.

For more information on Dr. Lowman, or her upcoming activities in Sarasota County, please contact Becca Nelson at New College Public Affairs, (941) 359-4314, or email bnelson@ncf.edu.