David Poulson receives IAGLR’s Vallentyne Award

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2015

Doug Kane, IAGLR Past President, [email protected], Beth Hinchey-Malloy, Awards Committee Chair, [email protected]

Ann Arbor, Mich. — The International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) recently awarded its highest outreach honor to David Poulson, senior associate director of Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.

Poulson received the John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award at IAGLR’s 58th annual conference, held in Burlington, Vt., May 26-29. The award is named after the late Vallentyne who had a long and distinguished career as a scientist who dedicated decades of work to education and outreach. The award goes to those individuals or groups who have contributed substantially to educating the public and informing policymakers about Great Lakes issues, leading to protection and restoration of the great lakes of the world.

Poulson created and now edits Great Lakes Echo, a significant contributor of original Great Lakes reporting, with articles authored by graduate students in MSU’s Environmental Journalism Program. Echo often covers scientific research, including work published in IAGLR’s Journal of Great Lakes Research. Adhering to the highest standards of professional journalism, Poulson has been a stickler for accuracy and impartiality in his close to three decades covering environmental issues and Great Lakes matters, in particular.

Poulson is well-respected by his colleagues and his contributions are highly valued by those in the Great Lakes science and policy communities.

“IAGLR members and Great Lakes researchers at large benefit from Dave’s contributions and leadership in promoting the highest values of fairness and accuracy in reporting on Great Lakes research, outreach and education," notes Dr. John Gannon, retired USGS scientist. "His contributions illustrate the true spirit and intent of the IAGLR Vallentyne Award.”

Lester Graham with Michigan Radio adds: “I’m a great admirer of Dave Poulson, his work with students and professionals, and his forward-thinking approach to environmental journalism. He has taught and trained students to become the new journalistic voice for science and the environment, which will benefit the public for decades to come.”

Poulson was accepted into MSU’s first Walter and Pauline Adams Academy for Instructional Excellence and Innovation and is now a university Global Innovation Fellow.