2014 Recipient Dr. Barrett Rock
Dr. Barrett Bock
Dr. Barrett N. Rock is a Professor Emeritus in the Earth Systems Research Center in the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space (EOS) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). He has been on the faculty at UNH since 1987 and holds a Doctoral degree in Botany (University of Maryland, 1972). His research focuses on the impact of air pollutants on forest species, utilizing Earth-orbiting satellite data and ground-based reflectance measurements to monitor forest health in New England and central Europe (Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic).
In 1992, Dr. Rock initiated the Forest Watch Program, a hands-on science education project centered on K-12 student measurements and assessments of the state-of-health of white pine (Pinus strobus). White pine is a known bio-indicator species for exposure to ozone in the air. Over 350 schools across New England are have been involved in Forest Watch. Learn more about the Forest Watch Program atwww.forestwatch.sr.unh.edu.
In 1994-95, Dr. Rock served as the first Senior Scientist for the GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment), an international partnership of students, teachers, and scientists that supports students with hands-on science activities and measurement protocols designed to provide scientists with reliable global-scale data. The GLOBE Program has enriched the education of over 1.5 million students and raised community environmental awareness in over 100 countries. Learn more about GLOBE at www.GLOBE.gov.
Dr. Rock with Drs. Dixon Butler and Tony Murphy following the YES Medal presentation