NEWS RELEASE USDA Forest Service Washington, D.C.
Release No. FS- 0627	Contact:	Jennifer Plyler , (202) 205- 0914

TWO FOREST SERVICE SCIENTISTS HONORED BY AAAS

WASHINGTON, December 27, 2006 – Two U.S. Forest Service scientists, Drs. Julie Sloan Denslow and Barbara Illman, have been elected by their peers as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The fellowships recognize scientists whose "efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished."

"Considering that only a small percentage of scientists are ever elected AAAS Fellows by their peers, their appointments show the significance and quality of Forest Service research," said Dr. Ann Bartuska, deputy chief for Forest Service Research & Development.

Dr. Julie Sloan Denslow from the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry in Hilo, Hawaii, was elected for outstanding contributions to ecosystem and population studies in tropical and warm temperate forests. Dr. Denslow served on the faculties of Tulane and Louisiana State universities and was president of the Organization for Tropical Studies prior to joining the Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Station in 1999. She studies the impacts of invasive exotic plants on island forest ecosystems.

Dr. Barbara Illman from the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisc., was elected for her outstanding work in applied forestry with a focus on the chemistry of wood biodeterioration. Illman, who has worked at the laboratory for 20 years, also studies long-term ecological research of fungal-beetle interaction in boreal forests, preventing the introduction of invasive species during global trade, and bioremediation of waste wood treated with environmentally toxic chemicals.

Founded in 1848 as a nonprofit organization, the AAAS members advance science and innovation around the globe as advocates, educators, leaders, and spokespersons. Dr. Denslow and Dr. Illman will be inducted as new Fellows Feb. 17 at the association’s annual meeting in San Francisco.

The research and development arm of the U.S. Forest Service works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our nation’s forests and grasslands. Researchers work in a range of biological, physical, and social science fields with programs in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and commonwealths.

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