Featured Scientist


Dr. John Aber

In 1970, John Aber was approaching the completion of his undergraduate degree in computer science (artificial intelligence), but felt that this field was becoming "increasingly irrelevant" to him. Then, in April of that year, US Senator Gaylord Nelson founded the first Earth Day.

"Earth Day focused my life. I switched to Environmental Sciences and enrolled at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. The second turning point was when Dr. Herb Bormann [one of the founders of the HBES], based on a paper I had written for his class, asked me to do my research at Hubbard Brook. That was perhaps the most important turning point of all." Aber has been conducting ecosystem research ever since.

Here at the HBEF, most of Dr. Aber's work is in ecosystem modeling of the effects of several environmental factors on forest production and nutrient cycling. Most recently he's coauthored a paper, "demonstrating that the nitrate flux record from Watershed 6 can be recreated only with a model that includes the effects of nitrogen deposition, CO2 enrichment of the atmosphere, ozone pollution, a defoliation from 1969-1971, and both human and natural disturbance events."

Dr. Aber is most interested in compiling results from many different types of research. "The most exciting discoveries for me occur when information and understanding from several different disciplines are brought together to solve a question. Using the modeling example above, there is at least now one...quantitatively accurate explanation for the puzzling pattern of nitrate loss at Hubbard Brook. That explanation required an understanding of physiological responses to [nitrogen], CO2, and ozone, an accurate description of land use and disturbance history on Watershed 6, and even some insights into herbivory.

As a professor at the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Aber spends a lot of time in class, in meetings, and talking with students. He chairs an interdisciplinary Ph. D. program that brings him into contact with a very interesting group of students, and has just completed the second edition of his textbook, Terrestrial Ecosystems. Most of his actual research is restricted to his modeling work.

Aber loves his career. "I enjoy writing very much. I enjoy the challenge of bring order out of apparently contradictory observations. I enjoy solving puzzles. While not restricted to research, perhaps my greatest joy at this point comes from helping younger students and colleagues find their way in the profession."

A career in science?

When we asked John if he had any thoughts about what it takes to have a career in science, he remarked, "Do well in classes, but also gain as much experience as possible outside the classroom. There are so many programs through schools, science centers, and non-profit organizations that accept volunteers to do field work. Get involved and get a feel for how data collection and application actually works. Beyond that, learn how to write! There is no single skill that is more important."

Click here to find Dr. Aber's official profile and learn more about his research, and publications.


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