DATE: January 7, 2008
NEWPORT, Ore. – Two researchers at Oregon State
UniversityÕs Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) were recently honored with
ÒSpirit of the CommunityÓ awards, presented by the CenterÕs director, George
Boehlert, in recognition of their leadership and service contributions to the
Newport community.
Andra Bobbitt, a senior
researcher in the Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, is part
of a team at HMSC funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) to study the effects of submarine volcanic and hydrothermal activity on
the ocean environment. But it was her dedication over the past few years as a
parent volunteer at Yaquina View Elementary School promoting activities that
bring the excitement of science into the classroom that earned her the
community spirit award.
Bobbitt, who uses
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in her work at the Center to
create colorful maps from oceanographic data collected during deep-sea
expeditions to monitor volcanic activity on the ocean floor, was honored for
helping organize activities such the schoolÕs annual science fair and
Ògeography weekÓ, which bring others from the Hatfield Center in to the school
to participate in science-themed learning activities. Bobbitt was also instrumental in launching Science Education
and Art by the Sea (SEAS) in 2007, a 10-week half-day summer school program
held at Yaquina View last summer for children in first through fifth
grades.
ÒAndra brings a tireless
dedication to kids and learning plus she brings a unique wealth of knowledge
and understanding of geography and oceanography,Ó says Yaquina View Elementary
School Principal Kurt Smith. ÒTeachers
describe her as an invaluable resource and a wonderful person to work with.Ó
Thomas Hurst, a NOAA
fisheries biologist with the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, was also honored
with a ÒSpirit of the CommunityÓ award, in recognition of his contributions to
the arts community in Lincoln County.
Hurst has served as president of the Newport Symphony Orchestra since
2005, overseeing the national search and selection process for a new artistic
director and conductor that brought acclaimed maestro Adam Flatt from Denver to
Newport last year.
Hurst initiated a new
education outreach program with Lincoln County Schools in 2007, bringing Flatt
and symphony musicians into elementary and middle schools to work with students
in band classes on musicianship skills and techniques.
ÒIt was difficult
choosing the winners of the award this year because HMSC staff are so highly
involved in community activities,Ó said George Boehlert, director of the
HMSC. ÒAndra and Tom, however,
stand out as excellent examples of community support.Ó
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