Dr. William Michener joined the LTER Network Office (NET) in September. Bill initially will be involved with expanding collaborative ties with the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS), primarily focusing on computer, communication, and information technologies. Some specific activities include enhancing OBFS network capabilities, creating or enhancing databases for sites, personnel, and research data, as well as related training and research activities. Bill comes to the Network Office after having served this past year as Program Director for the Ecology Program at the National Science Foundation.
Meanwhile, Christine French returned to her position at the National Science Foundation, International Programs division. During her three-year term at NET, CHRIS was instrumental in doubling the size of the International LTER Network, culminating in an outstanding international attendance at the Y2K All Scientists Meeting (see artilce, page 1). Over the past three-plus years, Chris catalyzed numerous exchanges between U.S. and international scientists and students, which stimulated the growth of the ILTER Network. Chris can be reached at NSF via e-mail:cfrench@nsf.gov.
NET recently gained significant additional computing and database expertise. David Blankman and Owen Eddins will be instrumental in NET’s contribution to the KNB (see article, page 10) and Troy "Maddog" Maddux is busy structuring the LTER Site Database, among other tasks.