Marine ecologist Bruce Menge was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (AAA&S) for 2020 along with 275 other scientists, scholars, leaders and artists in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Menge is a Distinguished Professor of Integrative Biology and co-holder with his wife and research partner, marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco, of the Wayne and Gladys Valley Endowed Professor of Marine Biology.
Together, Menge and Lubchenco run an internationally recognized laboratory focused on environmental science marine ecosystem studies and PISCO, the Partnership for the Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans, a four-university research, training and outreach collaboration focused on the near-shore marine ecosystem of the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California. One of the largest scientific studies ever led by OSU, PISCO has produced a plethora of exciting, innovative and impactful findings, shared in more than 500 scientific publications.
“Bruce Menge is so well deserving of this honor,” said Dean Roy Haggerty. “The outcomes of his research are indeed extraordinary and significantly impactful. His work has transformed our knowledge of ocean ecosystems, created unprecedented opportunities for our students, and benefitted Oregon coastal communities, industries, and state agencies in very tangible and important ways.”
Menge is one of six OSU faculty to become members of the AAA&S. His election doubles the number of active faculty, joining his wife, Distinguished Professor Jane Lubchenco. Retired College of Science biologist Steve Arnold is also a member.
The AAA&S was founded in 1780 by John Adams, John Hancock and others who believed the new republic should honor exceptionally accomplished individuals and engage them in advancing the public good. This year’s newly elected members include singer, songwriter and activist Joan Baez, former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., author Ann Patchett and independent filmmaker Richard Linklater. They join the notable ranks of Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Mead, Robert Frost, Martha Graham, Milton Friedman and Martin Luther King, Jr. as members of the AAA&S.
