 United
States Department of Agriculture -
Forest Service |
 Southern Research Station200 Weaver Boulevard P.O. Box 2680 Asheville, NC 28802 |
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 Dr. Joseph O'Brien (right) demonstrates Flir infrared camera to Bahamian firefighters. |
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USDA Forest Service Researchers Lauded for Multicultural Efforts
ASHEVILLE, NC - A research scientist and a forestry technician of the Southern Research Station (SRS) were recently honored with SRS Civil Rights Awards. Joseph O'Brien and Ryan Sisk were recognized for their commitment to workforce diversity through a variety of multicultural educational and outreach efforts. They were chosen based on outstanding civil rights activities in their respective research work units.
“These researchers have done an outstanding job of encouraging diversity throughout the Station,” said Peter J. Roussopoulos, Station Director. “We are extremely proud of their accomplishments and support their continued efforts to promote multiculturalism in the Forest Service.”
O’Brien was honored for providing educational outreach to students, offering translation services to publics with Limited English Proficiency, training firefighters and managers in Central and South America, and promoting an inclusive working environment. Proficient in Spanish, he co-coordinates the Latin American and Caribbean fire ecology and management team for Forest Service International Programs. He is also responsible for coordinating Forest Service, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Nature Conservancy international fire management activities. O’Brien is located in Athens, GA, at the Center for Forest Disturbance Science
Sisk was recognized for outstanding cultural sensitivity, leadership, and service to diverse Forest Service partners across the Cumberland Plateau. Located on the campus of Alabama A&M University with the Upland Ecology and Management Research Work Unit, he has successfully worked with, trained, and counseled multicultural individuals from 10 countries, including students and faculty from Cameroon, Ethiopia, China, and Bulgaria. Sisk’s dedication to forestry, respect for diversity, and engaging professionalism has earned him respect throughout the forestry community.
For additional information, please contact Linda LeBlanc, Civil Rights Director, at (828) 257-4287 or lleblance@fs.fed.us.
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