URI announces honors and appointments

KINGSTON, R.I. -- April 15, 1999 -- Dr. Katherine Quina of Warwick, a professor of psychology and women,s studies at the University of Rhode Island, was given the Christine Ladd Franklin Award by the Association for Women in Psychology (AWP) at its annual meeting in March. The award, named for a scientist who made significant contributions to the understanding of human vision in spite of facing sexism and discrimination at the turn of the century, recognizes an individual who has made extensive contributions to the AWP. Quina has published four books, authored numerous articles in professional journals, and presented more than 90 papers at professional conferences. She has won a number of other awards in recognition of her research, community service, and teaching.

Dr. Beatrice Lott of Kingston, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Rhode Island, received the Distinguished Career Award at the Association for Women in Psychology meeting in March. Lott is one of only nine feminist social scientists ever to receive this award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of psychology. She is nationally recognized for her policy work on behalf of women. She has also initiated a number of unique seminars on important social issues, such as violence against women and the social psychology of poverty. "One of her most laudable contributions has been her commitment to her students, writes Ingrid Johnston-Robledo, who received her Ph.D. at URI in 1997 and is now a professor at Connecticut College. "She has mentored a large network of feminist psychologists over the course of nearly 30 years, and I am proud to count myself as one of them.

Linda Green of West Kingston, coordinator of the University of Rhode Island,s Watershed Watch Program, has been selected to receive an Environmental Merit Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award recognizes outstanding environmental advocates who have made significant contributions toward preserving and protecting natural resources. Green was honored for her work with the Watershed Watch Program, a 12-year-old project that enlists the help of volunteers to monitor fresh water, such as lakes, ponds and streams.

Dr. Michael Rice of Peace Dale, associate professor in the Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Rhode Island, received a citation from the Rhode Island House of Representatives recently. Rice was recognized for being awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach and research in the Philippines. The House of Representatives also lauded his work in aquaculture -- the farming or husbandry of animals or plants in the water.

Dr. Richard Rhodes III of Wakefield, professor and chair of the Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Rhode Island, received a citation from the Rhode Island House of Representatives recently. Rhodes was honored for receiving a teaching award from the Council on Agriculture Research, Extension and Teaching in Atlanta. He was also named a recipient of the 1998 Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences award. The awards are given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to illustrate USDA,s commitment to promoting the highest quality of American education, particularly in the food and agricultural sciences. Rhodes has done research on animal welfare, reproductive physiology and endocrinology.

Dr. Noel Jackson of Kingston, a professor of plant science at the University of Rhode Island, received the U.S. Golf Association,s Green Section Award for his distinguished contributions to golf. Jackson teaches and conducts research in the area of turf, trees and woody ornamental diseases. Over the years, Jackson has consulted with golf course owners and other professional growers about the source of turf problems and ways to solve them. He also assists local sod farmers who supply turf to homes and businesses across the country.

For More Information: Ann MacDonald, 874-2116