G. Peirce and Florence Pitts-Webber Award winners named for 2011

G. Peirce and Florence Pitts-Webber Award for Outstanding Research in Forest Resources

Robert S. Seymour, Curtis Hutchins Professor of Silviculture
School of Forest Resources

Robert Seymour is an expert on the silviculture of natural forests and ecological forestry. An active and productive researcher, in the last two years he has published 13 refereed papers and one book chapter. Since 2006, he has secured more than $700,000 in grant funding, which has been used to support graduate students. His international reputation is clear from his invitation to publish a review in the world’s oldest forestry journal, and his invited keynote presentations in international meetings. On top of all this, Bob understands the importance of extending his research from academia to the landowners and forest professionals who can implement it in the woods. He was one of the first university researchers to see that certification could be a tool to promote sound silvicultural practice. The combination of his productivity and his focus on research relevant to the people of Maine makes Bob Seymour an ideal candidate for the G. Peirce and Florence Pitts-Webber Award for Outstanding Research in Forest Resources.

G. Peirce and Florence Pitts-Webber Award for Outstanding Forestry Teaching

Louis Morin, Instructor of Forest Resources
School of Forest Resources

When Louis Moring first started teaching at UMaine, he vowed he would always place students first and make himself available for them as much as possible. His students today would agree that he has kept his vow. He works hard to equip his students with the essential skills and practical knowledge that will help them in their careers. For his 3-week summer camp, he has arranged to borrow expensive, state-of-the-art equipment for student use, such as excavators and skidders. Given the rapid pace of technology change, he makes sure students are able to use the latest surveying and mapping tools and software. In addition to teaching and advising students, Louis advises two student groups and helps to organize the college’s spring fling. His students recognize Louis’ mastery of the content and his enthusiasm for the subject. In addition, they greatly appreciate his sincere interest in their lives outside the classroom and his willingness to be there for them when they need support or advice.