PLYMOUTH, N.H—A marine scientist and professor is the new director of Plymouth State University’s Center for the Environment (CFE). Dr. Joseph N. Boyer, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, comes to PSU from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, where he has served as faculty since 1995; he also was associate director of the Southeast Environmental Research Center at FIU from 2003 to 2009 and Director since 2009. He has over 25 years of experience in marine microbiology and ecosystem ecology spanning from Florida to Canada. Dr. Boyer believes that expanding the Center for the Environment’s expertise will ultimately better serve the public, the University, and the state.
Dr. Joseph N. Boyer Named Director of PSU's Center for the Environment
“I believe the CFE has the potential to become a central player in the region and northeast U.S.” said Boyer. “The terrific relationship between University, community, and government is a testimony to prior leadership and should be further nurtured and developed.”
PSU President Sara Jayne Steen is confident Boyer will help the CFE continue to be a key resource for the region.
“Joe has a powerful vision for the role the Center for the Environment can play in working with our partners,” said Steen. “And the environmental issues we will face together are critically important for the future of our region.”
Boyer earned a bachelor’s in microbiology from The American University in 1978 and a Ph.D. in marine science from the College of William & Mary in 1987. He said his work with the Southeast Environmental Research Center will help him in his new role at the CFE.
“Through my background in ecology, in water quality, and my experience in facilitating restoration issues related to the community, state agencies and non-governmental organizations, I’ve come to the realization that we need to value our ecosystems economically, as well as culturally and scientifically,” Boyer said. “What I bring to Plymouth State is more awareness in developing integration between the economy and local ecosystems.”
University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Julie Bernier said Boyer brings an excellent record of achievement to the CFE.
“Boyer is a highly successful scholar and researcher,” said Bernier. “He will join the Center as an effective leader who knows how to build teams and develop partnerships that will make a difference in the community. Dr. Brian Eisenhauer has served with distinction as interim director of the Center,” added Bernier. “During his tenure, the Center has flourished and we are enormously grateful for Brian’s leadership during this interim period; he has been successful in working with partners and bringing in grant funding to support graduate students and important research in the region.” Eisenhauer, a professor of Sociology, will continue his work at PSU as Director of Sustainability.
Established in 2004, the goal of the Center for the Environment is to address the science, policies, culture, and economics of the natural environment in northern New England through research, education, and service. The CFE focuses on applied environmental problems and engages local communities and organizations in environmental demonstration projects that integrate the natural and human environments.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU News Services Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu
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