Solomons, Md. (June 7, 2007) – Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Professor Dr. Joel Baker was recently honored by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science with its President’s Award for Science Application for his work as the Co-Chair of the State’s Baltimore County Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Task Force.

“Dr. Baker’s leadership on the Baltimore County LNG Task Force insured that sound science was at the forefront of the group’s findings,” said UMCES President Dr. Donald Boesch. “His commitment to fostering science to help improve the state’s environmental health is an asset to every Maryland resident.”

In addition to his work on the LNG task force, Dr. Baker has also played a significant role in developing the science used to establish other environmental health policies throughout the state. His work has led to a better understanding of chemical contaminants in Baltimore Harbor, the effects of dredge material placement in the Chesapeake Bay and the restoration of Poplar Island.

“Dr. Baker has demonstrated strong leadership on projects and in situations where emotions were high, providing a calm, objective and expert presence essential to making progress,” said Frank Hamons, Deputy Director for Harbor Development at the Port of Baltimore.

The President’s Award for Science Application was established in 1999 to honor members of the UMCES community whose exemplary service had an impact upon the State of Maryland.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is the principal research institution for advanced environmental research and graduate studies within the University System of Maryland. UMCES researchers are helping improve our scientific understanding of Maryland, the region and the world through its three laboratories – Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, and Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge – and the Maryland Sea Grant College.

CONTACT:
Chris Conner
443-496-0095