GENE LIKENS: A LEADER FOR OUR SCIENCE

William M. Lewis, Jr.
Professor and Director, Center for Limnology Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0216 lewis@spot.colorado.edu

Abstract

Gene E. Likens, who began his career as a limnologist under the guidance of Arthur Hasler at the University of Wisconsin, has been a leading figure on limnology and ecology for the last 40 years. He showed the great potential of watershed manipulation for studying biogeochemical cycles that affect both terrestrial environments as well as streams, lakes, and wetlands, and was first to realize the extent of negative ecological effects caused by acidified precipitation in the Eastern US. He also has been an early and consistent champion of the value of long term studies in ecological research. Through his influence, the viewpoints of funding agencies that support ecological research have been transformed and made more effective. Another feature of Dr. Likens’ career has been his ability to build large collaborative groups that conduct research on diverse topics at a rapid pace. His first group was built around the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest project and he subsequently built even a more diverse program at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies of the New York Botanical Garden. Dr. Likens has received dozens of honors and awards and has one of the most extensive and influential publication records of any living ecologist. He has pioneered concepts, methods of research, and organizational features of ecological research institutions.

Keywords: Gene Likens