Stephen Hamilton, MSU professor of ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry, and associate director of the Kellogg Biological Station, is the recipient of the 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Society of Freshwater Science.
Hamilton’s work as an academic researcher and environmental steward of local, regional and global watersheds were cited in giving him this honor.
For more than eight years, Hamilton has served as president of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council.
After the Kalamazoo River oil spill, the largest and most costly inland oil spill in U.S. history, which released tar sands oil into the river in July 2010, Hamilton has advised policy makers, clean-up crews and community members on an ongoing basis. He currently serves on a National Research Council committee and analyzes the environmental impacts of tar sands oil spills.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a profession that prepares and allows me to work on behalf of the environment, and to contribute to understanding environmental problems and improving environmental literacy,” said Hamilton, who will receive the award in May at the society’s annual meeting in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Hamilton, who also is a zoology professor, mentors students in the field and in the lab with knowledge of water, nutrients and related ecosystem processes. It was Hamilton’s graduate students, present and former, who put together the nomination form.
"Steve's commitment to public outreach and to promoting a greater understanding of complex environmental issues is an inspiration to us all,” said Kay Gross, KBS director. “I am delighted his students took the initiative to recommend him for this award so he could be recognized for these efforts and contributions."