Forestry, Natural Resources award winners announced

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources selected six people to receive career achievement awards in 2024.

Meet the winners

John A. Kershaw Jr., professor at University of New Brunswick

FNR Lifetime Achievement Award

“I was very honored to receive this award,” Kershaw said. “None of this would be possible without the dedication and encouragement of professors and fellow classmates.”

BJ Meadows, retired teacher, administrator and innovator

FNR Lifetime Achievement Award

“As the first woman to receive a master’s degree in wildlife management from Purdue, I am delighted that women are currently being successful in this area. I am celebrating with them and sending them deep support,” Meadows said.

Jacob Goheen, professor at the University of Wyoming

FNR Distinguished Alumni Award

“I was quite struck by this award, and it came as a real surprise,” Goheen said. “I know several of the other recipients well and am honored that folks found me sufficiently deserving for nomination into that same category.”

Ken Kellner, assistant professor at Michigan State University

FNR Outstanding Young Alumni Award

“I’m humbled and grateful to receive this award from Purdue FNR,” Kellner said. “My advisers, professors and colleagues at FNR taught me how to be a good scientist. I aim to continue to work hard and make them proud.”

Joe Robb, refuge manager at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

Chase S. Osborn Award in Wildlife Conservation

“I feel really honored to be awarded the Chase S. Osborn Award for Wildlife Conservation,” Robb said. “Wildlife Conservation is by no means an individual effort and this award equally belongs to my mentors, partners and co-workers as we strive and fight for wildlife conservation in Indiana. As I look though the list of prior award winners, I see several names of those who have taught and mentored me and I feel blessed to be included in such a remarkable list.”

Zackary Delisle, ecologist at National Park Service

Chase S. Osborn Early Career Award

“I am very grateful to be given this distinction. It really does mean a lot to me and encourages me to continue to push hard and try to make a difference for our increased understanding of wildlife ecology and management,” said Delisle.

Learn more about the winners at https://tinyurl.com/4ntr7nz8.