Marty Yates celebrates 25 years of service to UMaine
On Monday, May 16th, Marty Yates was honored for 25 years of service to the University. Below is the text written to recognize his contributions.
The Department of Earth Sciences welcomes the opportunity to recognize 25 years of service by Dr. Martin Yates to the University of Maine. Marty is the manager of the Department’s electron microprobe and X-ray diffraction laboratories and also serves as an Instructor. Marty is an indispensable member of our Department: if there is a job to be done, as likely as not, Marty steps forward to do it.
Marty joined the professional staff of the University of Maine in 1986 as manager of the laboratory for a MAC 400S electron microprobe. As a Co-Principal Investigator, Marty’s input was critical to the successful proposals for funding from the National Science Foundation for upgrade of the MAC 400S in 1990, and for acquisition of a used ARL SEMQ electron microprobe in 1994, an automated X-ray diffractometer in 1997, and a brand new Cameca SX100 electron microprobe in 2001. Marty’s phenomenal knowledge of electronics, computer software and mineral chemistry has not only kept these instruments in excellent working order, but also served to train numerous students in getting useful, meaningful and publishable data from them. Marty has co-authored with students and faculty 40 scientific papers published in international, peer-reviewed journals, and co-edited the guidebooks for field trips for the 92nd and 102nd New England Intercollegiate Geological Conferences in 2000 and 2010.
Marty played a leading role in planning, organizing and executing the Department’s move from Boardman Hall to the Bryand Global Science Center in 1997. He was instrumental in deciding how the interior of Bryand would best be set up for laboratories, offices and classrooms, and has served as building manager since the move. That every student, staff and faculty member has access to the department’s server as well as the Internet is the result of Marty’s selfless work in maintaining and upgrading the department’s computer infrastructure. Thanks to Marty, the latest data from our seismic, climate and solar panel stations are on display. Marty regularly offers a course in analytical techniques, so that students learn not simply how to use the microprobe, diffractometer and scanning electron microscope; he also teaches them the principles behind this technology. Marty has an active and curious intellect and is not deterred by challenges such as the complex mathematics of data processing.
The university is not the only beneficiary of Marty’s prodigious energy. He has been an active leader in Maine Boy Scouting for 16 years, and received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award. He served 14 years as Treasurer of the Old Town United Methodist Church and is Finance Committee Chair. He has distinguished himself as a first class chef as any guest at his wonderful dinners can testify. It is with great pleasure that we join with the University of Maine in honoring Marty Yates for 25 years of outstanding service.