UH Hilo’s Ostertag elected a 2021 Fellow of the Ecological Society of America

University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu
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Posted: Mar 25, 2021

Rebecca Ostertag
Rebecca Ostertag

A professor of biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has been elected a 2021 Fellow of the Ecological Society of America (ESA).

Dr. Rebecca Ostertag, who is also associate chair of the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (TCBES) M.S. program, is elected for her “outstanding intellectual leadership in the areas of tropical forest ecology and conservation and a deep commitment to mentoring and enhancing diversity in the next generation of ecologists,” noted the ESA March 25, 2021. Fellows are elected for life.

Ostertag, who has taught at UH Hilo since August 2001, teaches courses related to the environment, including ecology and conservation, biostatistics, and field methods. Her area of specialization is in tropical forest ecology, examining questions relating to biological invasions, nutrient cycling, forest dynamics, climate, and restoration. Ostertag’s research carries a strong field component and involves integration of natural history, community structure, and ecosystem dynamics.

“Dr. Ostertag exemplifies the role of teacher-scholar, engaging and mentoring students in ecology through coursework, mentorship, and grant-funded opportunities while conducting a breadth of disciplinary research,” said Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kris Roney. “Her election by the ESA is testament to the reach of her leadership in all of these areas. She is an absolutely phenomenal colleague and professor, and this honor is well earned.”

Ostertag and the other Fellows will be formally recognized during an awards ceremony at ESA’s virtual Annual Meeting in August.

ESA established its Fellows program in 2012 with the goal of honoring its members and supporting their competitiveness and advancement to leadership positions in the Society, at their institutions, and in society.