Research Scientists

LRWC has appointed two distinguished waterfowl biologists as Research Scientists to provide direction and guidance in development of our research program, collaborate with LRWC staff, and provide technical advice on specific research projects.  Research Scientists also support and promote the mission of LRWC as our representatives at professional meetings.  LRWC is honored to announce the appointment of Dr. Guy Baldassarre (left) and Dr. Richard Malecki (right) as our first Research Scientists.

 

 Dr. Guy Baldassarre is a Distinguished Teaching Professor in the wildlife science program at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.  He teaches courses in waterfowl ecology and management, wetland ecology, and wetland wildlife ecology and management.  He received his B.S. at the University of Maine, M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.  Guy recently received the 2008 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award from Ducks Unlimited for his impressive career achievements.  This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and conservation of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl.  Guy is a past Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Wildlife Management, author of Waterfowl Ecology and Management, and editor of Conservation Biology of Flamingos, a special publication of the Waterbirds Society.  Guy has worked extensively on waterfowl and waterbird issues in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Venezuela. Currently, he is working with waterbirds in the Venezuelan Llanos and marsh birds and waterfowl in New York.  Guy has served on the LRWC Board of Directors since 2006, and we look forward to his increased role as a Research Scientist with LRWC.

Dr. Richard Malecki has recently retired from 30 years of service with the U.S. Department of Interior as the Assistant Leader in Wildlife with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit located at Cornell University.  He received his B.S. from Cornell University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.  Rich is a leading authority in the use of satellite technology to monitor waterfowl species, in addition to his expertise in the development of breeding ground surveys for waterfowl and the use of mark-recapture methodologies for population assessment.  Rich is experienced in evaluating and managing wetland habitat for waterfowl and marsh birds, wetland plant ecology, and biological control methods for invasive plant species.  
Rich was the 2007 recipient of the Ducks Unlimited Wetland Conservation Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to waterfowl and wetland research.  Not only does Rich have an extensive history of collaboration with state and federal waterfowl and wetland habitat management programs throughout North America, but he also has conducted research in Greenland, western Europe and eastern Russia.  By the way, the Cornell connection shared between Rich and our Executive Director, Sue Sheaffer, is no coincidence.  Rich and Sue were not only colleagues at Cornell, but they are also husband and wife.  LRWC is excited to have both as members of the LRWC team!

 

 

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