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ESF’s Office of Research Programs Receives Partnership Excellence Award
The Office of Research Programs (ORP) of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), the most distinguished institution in the nation that focuses on the study of the environment, received the 2022 Partnership Excellence Award during the SUNY Research Symposium in Albany.
The Partnership Excellence Award is a SUNY-wide honor that recognizes outstanding teamwork within a group of employees consisting of at least two people. The award promotes the spirit of teamwork and performance excellence within departments and between units.
"The Office of Research Programs has always set the standard for excellence at ESF," said President Joanie Mahoney. "This past year, staff has met numerous challenges with teamwork, dedication, and heart. We are proud of all they do to support our researchers in their endeavors and celebrate this award with them."
Those honored from the ORP are Kate Edwards, Lisa Schwabenbauer, Anne Knapp, Pat Henson, Emily O'Brien, Ryan Gillett, Sean Nicholson, Isaac Liptak, Rebecca McClain, Erica Ward, Cheryl Liptak, Sue Benoit, Mary Anne Stanton, Bill Nicholson, and John Stella.
During the last year, the ORP overcame staffing shortages due to retirements and career changes, and personal hardships. Despite those challenges, the office increased expenditures by 16%, active awards by 19%, and proposals by 20% without missing a deadline.
The award also recognized the contribution of recent retirees who returned to the ORP to assist with reviewing agreements, establishing awards, and providing critical training and institutional knowledge transfer.
"The ORP staff pulled together in an amazing way, working nights and weekends, training each other, and communicating to ensure that deadlines were met and workloads rebalanced as much as possible," noted on nominator.
"I can truly say that in my 30-year career, I have never worked with a more dedicated, creative, and fine group of people. Together, they personify this Partnership Excellence award," said John Stella, vice president of research.
ORP has since added 10 new staff members to keep pace with the growth of the office's work.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.