Recipients of AOU Senior Awards for 2005
Robert M. Zink, leading scholar in avian evolution, holds the Breckenridge Chair in Ornithology and has served as Curator of Birds at the Bell Museum of Natural History and as Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. Among the recurrent themes in his work are: the tempo of avian diversification and speciation, the significance of vicariance events, and phylogeny. Two areas deserve special mention. The first is his role in creating a vigorous dialogue concerning the theory and practice of ranking taxa at the species and subspecies levels. In this debate, which has permeated ornithological thinking for more than a century, Professor Zink and co-authors have articulated the advantages and disadvantages of the species concept in both theoretical and applied situations.
The second has been the use of new technologies and analytical approaches in studying geographic variation. The discipline phylogeography --focused at the interface of population genetics and systematic biology-is central to efforts to understand the origin and maintenance of biotic diversity. Professor Zink adopted this approach with his studies of Fox Sparrows, which eventually incorporated information on plumage, skeletal morphology, the use of mtDNA restriction site digests, and sequencing for these informative genes. This is probably the most comprehensive documentation in any bird species group. His use of multiple character systems is unparalleled and resulted not only in producing support for Bergmann's Rule and other ecogeographic generalization, but also the template for modern studies of geographic variation.
He has also been instrumental in questioning the role of Pleistocene glaciation in the origins of many North American species, a subject that has been recently extended to Europe and Asia. He has also been forthright in throwing down the gauntlet to challenge current subspecific categories are being used (and misused) in conservation biology.
Professor Zink's work has been crucial in introducing new ideas to a wide audience. He continues a long tradition of ornithologists who have provided intellectual leadership in ornithology and in the larger community of evolutionary biologists. For his significant and continuing contribution to avian systematics, phylogeny phylogeography, speciation theory, and conservation, the American Ornithologists' Union presents Robert M. Zink with the William Brewster Memorial Award for 2005.
Professor Nicholas B. Davies has made prodigious empirical, theoretical, and organizational contributions to the field of avian behavioral ecology. Starting with his dissertation studies of optimal foraging in wagtails, he has consistently produced landmark papers on an astounding array of topics, most famously Sexual conflict and extraordinary flexibility in the mating system of dunnocks and the most in-depth and complete studies of adaptations for brood parasitism by cuckoos. A particularly admirable component of his work that has led to these significant contributions is the intimate marriage of natural history, theory, and experiments. In today's era of quick experimental tests of theoretical predictions without strong grounding in the natural history of the species being tested, Professor Davies has consistently conducted theoretical research that is steeped in a detailed understanding, description, and integration of the natural history of the species that he studies.
He has used this firm grounding in natural history to test major theoretical predictions with great success in advancing theory and scientific understanding for a diverse array of topics. Along the way, he also produced the first important evolutionary game theory models for biparental care, the first systematic application of DNA fingerprinting for the analysis of mating systems, and an unparalleled research program combining the most sophisticated of modern tools with solid natural history, observation, and field experimentation. Since 1979, he has supervised 36 PhD students and has hosted 33 post-doctoral research students, many of whom have gone on to academic appointments.
In addition to this own contributions to the primary literature, he has co-edited the flagship series of review books on behavioral ecology, co-authored a highly influential textbook, written two well-received popular books on his research program (one on Dunnocks Prunella modularis, one on brood parasitism), helped launch the International Society for Behavioral Ecology (and served as its president) and its journal, Behavioral Ecology. In an age of tight research funding conflicting with temptation to study exotic species in faraway lands, Professor Davies' Dunnock work merits special praise as an outstanding example of how world-class research can be accomplished through banding, experiments and careful behavioral observations of a small, drab bird just outside one's office window.
Professor Davies has received many prestigious honors for his professional contributions, including the Scientific Medal of the Zoological Society of London (1987), William Bate Hardy Prize of the Cambridge Philosophical Society (1995), Medal of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (1996), Frink Medal of the Zoological Society of London (2001). His book, Cuckoos, Cowbirds and Other Cheats was selected for the Best Book of the Year Award by the British Trust for Ornithology (2000). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (1994), and was elected a Corresponding Fellow of the American Ornithologists' Union in 1999 and an Honorary Fellow in 2005.
In short, Professor Davies is the very model of a modern field ornithologist. For his untiring pursuit of scientific excellence and interesting scientific questions through the marriage of detailed natural history, theory and clever experimental tests, added to his major contributions to the field of behavioral ecology, the American Ornithologists' Union is pleased to award Nicholas B, Davies the Elliott Coues Award for 2005.
Thomas E. Lovejoy's contributions as an avian scientist, conservation biologist and activist are especially deserving of recognition as the first recipient of the AOU Conservation Award. His vision, accomplishments and influence have launched important research initiatives in conservation biology, and shaped global actions and thinking about biological diversity and its conservation, and been effective in species preservation.
Dr. Lovejoy earned his Ph.D. at Yale University under the tutelage of G. Evelyn Hutchinson, and conducted pioneering field work on the community ecology of Amazonian rain forest birds that introduced bird banding to Brazil (Lovejoy 1972, 1975). Dr. Lovejoy then worked as one of the first staff scientists at the World Wildlife Fund, where he contributed to early efforts in the conservation of Neotropical migratory birds (Rappole et al. 1983) and conceived the idea for the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments (BDFF) Project. While most ecologists in 1979 were trying to study systems where species interactions had not been altered by human influences, Dr. Lovejoy launched what would become a landmark, long-term study to measure and understand the impacts of forest fragmentation in conjunction with The Brazilian National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA). The BDFF Project generated experimental data that addressed a fierce debate over the value of a single large or several small reserves (SLOSS) and the process of relaxation in mainland islands (e.g., Bierregaard et al. 1992, Laurance et al. 1997). It has produced over 500 papers, 100 theses, and several books (Bierregaard et al. 2001), became a major training facility for Latin American biologists, and recently enjoyed its 25th anniversary. In recognition of this work and his long collaboration with Brazil scientists and research organizations, Dr. Lovejoy was awarded the Order of Scientific Merit from the Brazil Government, one of the very few foreigners to receive such an honor.
Dr. Lovejoy has greatly expanded and shaped the conservation activities of some of the world's most influential scientific and environmental organizations through high-level positions at World Wildlife Fund - U.S., the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the President's National Science and Technology Council, the World Bank, the United Nations Foundation and now as President of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. In each case he has used a strong scientific base to build institutional capacity and provide a focus on the tropical conservation. In addition, he has assisted and influenced scores of other conservation institutions through service on Boards of Directors. He was essential in the formation of the Society of Conservation Biology (SCB), serving on its initial Governing Board and as President during its formative years.
Dr. Lovejoy used his role in these organizations to advance the science and conservation of biological diversity. He was partly responsible for coining the now-familiar terms "biological diversity" and "biodiversity" in 1980. He has been a leader in publicizing the rising loss of species worldwide because of growing human population, habitat degradation and loss, climate change, pollution, and exploitation of plants and animals (Lovejoy 1980, Peters and Lovejoy 1992, Lovejoy and Hannah 2005). Moreover, he originated the innovative concept of "debt-for-nature swaps", where debtor nations struggling to meet their financial obligations can reduce foreign debt in exchange for payments in support of in-country conservation activities. Since their inception by the World Wildlife Fund in 1989, debt-for-nature swaps have been implemented in at least 11 countries around the world, providing over $1 billion in funds for conservation and millions of hectares of habitat protection. Finally, Dr. Lovejoy took his conservation message to the general public through lectures and addresses, testimony before Congressional subcommittees, and the creation of the television series Nature, the most popular long-term series on public television in the U.S.
In recognition of his pioneering work in conservation biology and tropical ecology, the AOU presents Thomas E. Lovejoy with the AOU Conservation Award for 2005.
The Ned K. Johnson Young Investigator Award was created to recognize outstanding and promising ornithological research contributions made by persons early in their careers with the hope and expectation that such individuals will provide future leadership in ornithology within and beyond North America. The AOU is proud and confident of its selection of Dr. Kevin J. McGraw as the 2005 - and indeed the first - recipient of the Ned K. Johnson Young Investigator Award.
Dr. McGraw's contributions come in the field of avian visual communication and coloration, and he is credited with pioneering a new approach to the study of ornamental traits. By taking an integrative approach that combines concepts and techniques from evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, behavioral endocrinology, avian nutrition, and immunoecology, he has helped to solve questions about why and how birds assume the colors they do. He is a world authority on the carotenoid pigments of skin and feathers and other sources of color. By addressing how colors are synthesized, influenced by access to dietary components, and affected by health, condition, and heritage, he has greatly advanced our understanding of how avian ornaments develop and evolve.
Dr. McGraw's remarkably productive early career began with an undergraduate honors thesis entitled "Hummingbird-flower co-evolution at a montane riparian site in Costa Rica" (B.S., 1997, Lawrence University) that was followed in quick succession by graduate degrees from two institutions known for their ornithological excellence ("Information content of carotenoid-based plumage coloration in the house finch," M.S., 1999, Auburn University; "The costs and benefits of sexual coloration in songbirds," Ph.D. 2003, Cornell University). After a brief post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis (2004, "Colorful pigments as natural immunostimulants in wild birds: an ecological perspective"), Dr. Mcgraw assumed his current position as Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Arizona State University.
Dr. McGraw's publication record has been described as extraordinary and phenomenal. In addition to the many papers that have appeared in high impact journals, he is the co-editor with G. Hill of two volumes on Avian Coloration published by Harvard University Press (2005). Even more impressive than his rate of publication is the fact that his research has been characterized by unerring attention to scientific rigor and cutting-edge questions Dr. McGraw has worked with numerous collaborators, his elders, his peers, and younger scientists, and is known for his ability to go seamlessly and cooperatively from question, to result, to publication. The rapid creation of knowledge that characterizes Dr. McGraw's research has allowed his studies to have near immediate influence on the research of others, with the result that the whole field of bird coloration has advanced significantly in recent years.
His future contributions seem likely to more than match his early impact. He is currently studying color patterns in hummingbirds, penguins, parrots, and finches and has mastered the power of a comparative approach, while continually expanding his research expertise by acquiring new technical abilities. The AOU anticipates that his work will be of increasing interest to a widening variety of avian biologists interested in the roles of hormones, behavior, parasites, immunity, and neurobiology in accounting for the splendor we call bird coloration.
The Marion Jenkinson AOU Service Award recognizes exceptional and outstanding service to the American Ornithologists' Union. Kimberly Smith (seen in the photo with his daughter, Mallory, while conducting black bear research in the Arkansas Ozarks) served a distinguished five-year term as editor of The Auk, from 2000 to 2004. As Editor of The Auk, Kim introduced such innovations as "Perspectives in Ornithology", "100 years ago in the American Ornithologists' Union", and Spanish and French abstracts. He demonstrated an unswerving commitment to the ever-increasing quality of content, maintaining The Auk as the highest-impact journal in organismal biology. However, beyond these contributions as editor, the Jenkinson Award recognizes Dr. Smith for his efforts and his success in totally reforming the way AOU manages its publication enterprise. Publications, by far, constitute the greatest expense of the Union and are its principal contributions to the ornithological community. There are few more important issues than their management.
Upon taking over as editor, Kim Smith encountered issues with printing and publication that had bedeviled a succession of previous editors and treasurers. Kim realized that the AOU and its authors were not receiving the benefits of modern publishing technologies. Under Kim's leadership, the AOU brought its editorial and publishing functions "in house" by hiring an editorial staff while contracting out printing and mailing. The results of these innovations included decreased cost per page, decreased average publication time, increased journal size, and increased quality control of the entire editorial and publication process. Kim then led the way in establishing systems that allowed electronic submission, review, editing, and revision of manuscripts, leading directly to a copy-edited manuscript ready for printing. Not only did the AOU publishing go paperless, but the process put the author in direct contact with the editorial staff and allowed author-control of the manuscript process.
Once established, it soon became apparent that the AOU Publications Office added significant resources for ornithology as a whole. The AOU Publications Office was able to support the re-invigoration of Ornithological Monographs, to publish Studies in Avian Biology for the Cooper Ornithological Society, and to support establishing a book series in ornithology in cooperation with the Nuttall Ornithological Club. Kim Smith took the AOU publication enterprise from the backwaters to the forefront of ornithological publishing, and in so doing did an outstanding service not only for the American Ornithologists' Union, but also for ornithology as a whole. We recognize his innovation, perseverance, and success with the Marion Jenkinson AOU Service Award for 2005.