Virginia Sea Grant is pleased to announce that Eugene Burreson, VIMS Professor Emeritus, will become the latest recipient of the prestigious Mathias Medal. The Mathias Medal is presented roughly every four-to-six years to a retired scientist who has made significant contributions to science and policy in the Chesapeake Bay.
Dr. Burreson’s unique contribution to shellfish pathology, monitoring oyster diseases, and providing information critical for developing oyster-management strategies has had an enormous impact on the Chesapeake Bay. For this work, Dr. Burreson will be awarded the Mathias Medal during a formal presentation this October.
The Mathias Medal was established by Maryland Sea Grant, Virginia Sea Grant, and Chesapeake Research Consortium in 1990. The award is named after Senator Charles “Mac” Mathias of Maryland, who is considered to be the father of the contemporary Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program. Senator Mathias set the tone and shape of many of the programs designed to study the Chesapeake Bay. In his political career, Senator Mathias recognized the value of science for the public good and frequently sought advice from the scientific community.
Since the prize’s inception, only five other Medals have been awarded, making this award a rare achievement to be celebrated. Past recipients include Grace Brush, William Hargis Jr., Clifford W. Randall, L. Eugene Cronin, and Donald W. Pritchard.
Congratulations and thank you, Dr. Burreson, for your work!
