Ecologist, biogeochemist Emily Bernhardt to lead Cornell Atkinson | Cornell Chronicle

"Emily Bernhardt will bring strong intellectual leadership to the Cornell Atkinson Center at the perfect time, translating Cornell's academic excellence into real-world impact. Her research aims to document the extent to which land use change, global change and chemical pollution are altering the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, and examines the efficacy of efforts to protect and restore streams and wetlands."

"I'm impressed that Cornell Atkinson leadership and the Atkinson family have focused on fueling great ideas that come from the faculty, rather than imposing their own views of what they think is most important. The Atkinson Center is pretty magical. A lot of institutions are trying to start centers like this now. Cornell and the Atkinson family were remarkable in seeing the potential for this vision 16 years ago."

"Cornell Atkinson has become a keystone in our universitywide effort to promote research across disciplines. The center provides leadership for nearly 800 faculty fellows, 140 active grants and partnerships with external organizations, including Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy and government agencies."

Emily Bernhardt, Ph.D. '01 and James B. Duke Professor of Biogeochemistry at Duke University, will assume the role of Francis J. DiSalvo Director of the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability beginning September 1. She succeeds David Lodge, who retires after leading the center for 10 years. Bernhardt specializes in freshwater ecology and biogeochemistry, studying how chemical elements and energy cycle through ecosystems. Her research examines land use change, global change, and chemical pollution impacts on aquatic ecosystems, while evaluating protection and restoration efforts for streams and wetlands. As the third director in the center's 16-year history, Bernhardt will oversee nearly 800 faculty fellows, 140 active grants, and partnerships with organizations including Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and government agencies.

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