Solomons, Md. (November 17, 2010) – The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science yesterday honored Captain Michael Reusing for 44 years of service to the University and its research fleet based at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. Captain Reusing is retiring at the end of the month after decades of service to the State of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay research community.
Captain Michael Reusing aboard the R/V Aquarius. |
Captain Reusing began working at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory as a research technician in 1966, eventually becoming Captain of the Research Vessel Aquarius in 1984 and the University’s state-of-the-art R/V Rachel Carson in 2008.
At his retirement celebration, Captain Reusing was presented a certificate by UMCES President Donald Boesch designating him an “Admiral of the Chesapeake” by Governor Martin O’Malley for his lifelong work helping Marylanders better understand and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
“For more than four decades, Captain Reusing has been on the front lines helping the State of Maryland track the pulse of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor O’Malley. “His lifelong dedication to fostering the science that guides Bay restoration has helped the State better understand – and appreciate – this national treasure.”
“In itself, the scope and breadth of Mike’s 44-year career with the University is remarkable,” said President Boesch. “While his work has led to great advancements in our understanding of the Bay ecosystem, his true legacy lies within the hearts and minds of the next generation of environmental scientists that have developed a passion for Chesapeake Bay science, learning and training aboard his ships."
“Captain Reusing has long been a staple of the Chesapeake Bay research community,” said UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory scientist Dr. Walter Boynton. “In addition to ensuring our researchers and students safely returned to port from every cruise, Mike’s ability to work hand-in-hand with our scientists to develop and safely deploy new research equipment has greatly advanced our ability monitor the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is the University System of Maryland’s environmental research institution. UMCES researchers are helping improve our scientific understanding of Maryland, the region and the world through five research centers – Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, and the Maryland Sea Grant College in College Park.
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Media Contact: David Nemazie, 443-496-0187