Elizabeth Craig, director of Seabird Research and academic director for the Shoals Marine Lab, has been awarded the UNH Class of 1937's Professorship in Marine Biology.
This three-year , established through the generous donations of UNH’s Class of 1937 on the occasion of their 50th reunion, provides support to recognize excellence in teaching and research in marine biology within the and its associated laboratories. The professorship recognizes faculty with a strong record of accomplishment in marine biology and clear vision to advance marine biological education and/or research at UNH. Recipients of this professorship are awarded up to $10,000 for each of three years.
Craig currently leads the , which promotes the conservation of aquatic birds in the Gulf of Maine through monitoring, management, and student-driven research. Her team applies insights from seabird ecology to identify conservation challenges and guide management action in the context of a changing ocean.
Craig also serves as an affiliate faculty member in the UNH Department of Biological Sciences.
“I feel truly honored to have been selected as the next recipient of this professorship", says Craig, “I am excited to spend the next three years promoting student engagement in research and creating new opportunities networking and collaboration at the Shoals Marine Lab.”
Craig's three goals for the professorship include: Advancing core research in the Isles of Shoals Seabird Ecology and Conservation Program; leveraging collaborations for an integrated ecosystem approach to Gulf of Maine research; and growing the UNH marine biology community through undergraduate engagement at Shoals Marine Lab. She notes that these goals align with many of the goals for the UNH 2030 plan.
“Elizabeth’s accomplishments in her 10 years at UNH are impressive,” says Erik Chapman, interim director for SMSOE. “Among other things, she has been an incredible mentor to graduate and undergraduate students, established and maintained a long-standing, strong partnership with the state of New Hampshire, and provided leadership as the Shoals Marine Lab Director of Seabird Research and Academic Coordinator. By contributing in all of these ways, Elizabeth is the essence of the Class of 1937 Professorship."
