Soil Scientist Named Fellow in National Society

Contact: Ivan Fernandez, 581-2932

ORONO — Ivan J. Fernandez, professor of soil science and cooperating professor of forest resources at UMaine is being honored with a lifetime appointment as a fellow in the Soil Science Society of America, an honor bestowed on only .3 percent of its more than 6,000 members.

He’ll receive his award at the society’s annual meeting and award ceremony next month in Long Beach, Calif.  Fernandez, who also is appointed in the UMaine Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences, the Climate Change Institute and the Center for Research on Sustainable Forests, was nominated in recognition of his service and professional achievement in teaching, extension, research and service to soil science and administration.

He received a B.A. from Hartwick College, and M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Maine. His program focuses on the biogeochemistry of forested ecosystems emphasizing long-term responses to forest management, air pollution and climate change.

Fernandez was one of only 13 new Class of 2010 fellows announced recently by the Wisconsin-based soil science society.