July 2, 2025
Frostburg, Md. (July 2, 2025) – Dr. Emily Cohen, Associate Professor at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory, has been named the recipient of the 2025 UMCES President’s Award for Excellence in Application of Science. This honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to applied science in the fields of wildlife migration and conservation.
“Dr. Cohen has a remarkable ability to connect scientific research with real-world conservation needs,” said Dr. David Nelson, Professor and Director of the Appalachian Laboratory. “She collaborates closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure her work is not only scientifically sound but also useful for decision-making. Emily is a thoughtful researcher, a skilled communicator, and a strong example of how science can make a meaningful impact.”
Dr. Cohen’s research explores the biology of long-distance animal migration, focusing on how changing habitats, climate, and human activity affect migratory species. Her work integrates advanced technologies, including radar, satellite data, isotopes, and tracking devices—with field and lab research to understand when, where, and how species migrate, and what conservation efforts can support them.
“I’m truly honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Emily Cohen. “Through our research, we aim to better understand and protect the natural world around us. It is rewarding to see that work making a difference—not just for the species we study, but for the communities connected to them.”
Her applied research has directly informed:
- The placement of wind energy facilities to reduce risks to birds;
- The development of conservation plans for migratory stopover habitats;
- Mitigation of threats like light pollution, habitat degradation, and building collisions;
- Maryland’s State Wildlife Action Plan through a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources.
Dr. Cohen’s work appears in both high-impact scientific journals and top applied science publications, including The Journal of Wildlife Management, Ecological Applications, and Conservation Letters. She recently secured a major grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Partnerships to Advance Conservation Science and Practice program, in collaboration with the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture. The project aims to use big data to guide habitat conservation planning for the benefit of both birds and people in Appalachia.
In addition to research, Cohen serves multiple advisory groups and committees, including Partners in Flight and the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, and regularly speaks to community groups and state agencies to translate complex science into actionable strategies.
“Dr. Cohen exemplifies what it means to apply science in service of society,” said Dr. Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, President, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. “Her innovative work on migration and aeroecology not only advances our understanding of wildlife behavior, but directly informs how we conserve habitats, plan infrastructure, and mitigate environmental threats. She is a leader in bridging the gap between science and on-the-ground conservation, and we are proud to honor her with the President’s Award for Excellence in Application of Science.”
About the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) leads the way toward better management of Maryland’s natural resources and the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, UMCES scientists conduct research on ecosystem health, climate change, and sustainability to inform public policy, educate future scientists, and engage with communities for a more resilient environment.