OU PROFESSOR RECEIVES RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD

Norman – Caryn Vaughn, University of Oklahoma Presidential Professor of Zoology and director of the Oklahoma Biological Survey in OU’s College of Arts and Sciences, was presented the Donald W. Tinkle Research Excellence Award by the Southwestern Association of Naturalists at the group’s annual meeting in April.  The award is presented to a scientist who, in the past 10 years, has made a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the biota of the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America through scientific articles and books. The significance of these written works and their quality and quantity are factors in the selection of a recipient of this award. Vaughn will receive a plaque at the Southwestern Association of Naturalists banquet next year.

Vaughn’s research focuses on ecology and conservation of freshwater mussels, and she is recognized by her peers as the expert on freshwater mussels of the Southwest. Her research is recognized nationally and internationally, has been published in more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and is supported by more than $1 million in grants.

The Southwestern Association of Naturalists was founded in May 1953 to promote the field study of plants and animals, both living and fossil, in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America and to aid in the scientific activities of its members. The association holds an annual meeting and publishes The Southwestern Naturalist. Membership is open to all persons interested in natural history.

For more information, visit www.biosurvey.ou.edu/swan.