UMCES Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award was created to recognize UMCES Alumni for the important work of UMCES scientists across the country — scientists who work to protect human health and well-being through science-informed solutions.
2026, Dr. Kimberly Warner
Since graduating from Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in 1999, Dr. Warner has become a preeminent ecotoxicologist. The bulk of her career (since 2005) has been spent at Oceana, where she serves as a Senior Scientist. During this time, she has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns, including a scientific effort that transitioned chlorine production in the United States away from a mercury-intensive method, resulting in a considerable reduction of mercury pollution in the environment; a transparency campaign based on “seafood fraud,” using DNA testing and citizen science to identify mislabeled fish.