Ivan Fernandez, University of Maine professor emeritus of soil science and climate research scientist, has been named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the inaugural Maine Science Awards.
Fernandez was selected for more than four decades of research on the biogeochemistry of Maine’s forests and his contributions to climate science and policy in the state. His research has focused on how forests and forested watersheds respond to climate change, air pollution and forest management.
Fernandez is a member of UMaine’s Climate Change Institute and serves as director and principal investigator of the Maine Climate Science Information Exchange. He was appointed to the Maine Climate Council in 2019 and serves as co-chair of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. He also has served on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board committees.
His previous honors include being named a UMaine Distinguished Maine Professor in 2007 and Maine Professor of the Year in 2008. He was named a fellow of the Soil Science Society of America in 2010 and received UMaine’s Presidential Public Service Achievement Award in 2018.
The Maine Science Awards recognize scientists, innovators, researchers and advocates advancing science across the state. Fernandez and four other inaugural honorees will be recognized Oct. 15 at Hollywood Casino Bangor.
