Plymouth State University

PLYMOUTH, N.H.-Acclaimed ecosystem researcher and scientist Dr. Patrick Bourgeron is the new director of Plymouth State University’s Center for the Environment. A native of France, Bourgeron comes to PSU from the University of Colorado Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, where he has served as research Fellow since 1997. He has nearly 30 years experience in environmental research, planning, land use policy and teaching in the U.S., France, Canada and Africa. Bourgeron believes the Center for the Environment’s (CFE) expertise can serve the public, the University and the state.

“A regional, comprehensive University that strives for excellence can help many constituencies achieve their goals,” said Bourgeron. “We will involve the public, scientists and environmental organizations in our work.”

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen is confident Bourgeron will help the CFE continue to be a key resource for the region.

“Dr. Bourgeron is a well respected scientist, collaborator, and leader. We can expect to see wonderful partnerships generating exciting work that will benefit New Hampshire,” said Steen.

Bourgeron said his work as the senior ecologist with the Nature Conservancy in the Pacific Northwest will help him in his new role at the CFE.

“I have experience working toward the public good, beginning with input from constituencies like the public, the state and non-governmental organizations,” Bourgeron said. “Establish a long-term vision and use science, knowledge and action to achieve it.”

University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Julie Bernier said Bourgeron brings an excellent record of achievement to the CFE.

“We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Bourgeron,” said Bernier. “His experiences will complement
well the expertise of those already in the Center. In his first week he has already shown us that we made the right choice,” said Bernier.

Former CFE director Steve Kahl is remaining at PSU as a research professor to continue his work with external partners, graduate student research and securing grant funding for new research and outreach.

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 collaboration. The Center 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 Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or Bruce Lyndes