Title: Research Ecologist (Retired)
Company: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Location: Hood River, Oregon, United States
Dr. Paul T. Rygiewicz, retired research ecologist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in microbial and plant physiology.
With 34 years of experience to his credit, Dr. Rygiewicz excelled as a research ecologist, now retired, at the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 1985 to 2017. He began his career as a courtesy assistant professor at the Department of Forest Science of Oregon State University in 1987. He worked as a research wood technologist at Rayonier, Inc. in 1977. He found success as a research associate at the Centre National De Recherches Forestières in Nancy, France from 1983 to 1984 before garnering a stellar reputation as a research soil microbiologist at the University of California Berkeley from 1984 to 1985.
Before embarking on his professional path, Dr. Rygiewicz pursued an education at the University of Illinois where he earned a Bachelor of Science in forestry in 1974. He continued his academic efforts as the University of California, Berkley, obtaining a Master of Science in wood science in 1976. He concluded his studies at the University of Washington, graduating with a PhD in forest resources in 1983.
Beyond his responsibilities within the field, Dr. Rygiewicz has participated in numerous endeavors outside of his professional circles. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America from 1972 to 1974 and sat on the board of directors of the Gorge Grown Food Network. He contributed to articles and professional journals in research on reforestation of tropical forests in Brazil, global climate changes on forests, and the health and function of forest ecosystems. In addition to his primary vocation, he remains affiliated with various organizations in relation to his areas of expertise. He was an officer of Xi Sigma Pi from 1973 to 1974 and a member of the Ecological Society of America, the Soil Ecology Society, the Forestry Club, Sigma Xi, and Gamma Sigma Delta.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Dr. Rygiewicz has accrued several accolades throughout his career. He was presented with awards from the Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique of France and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1984. The University of California, Berkley recognized him as a Weyerhaeuser from 1978 to 1979 and among the fellow regents from 1973 to 1974. He was bestowed with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and the EPA Administrator Award.
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