Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award
This is an alternating award given every 3 years to a faculty member who has excelled in teaching, research, or advisory service.
This year's winner of the Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award is Dr. Jeffrey Shields.
Jeff Shields has developed a remarkable and highly productive research program in his 23 years at VIMS. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts on a wide range of topics, with an emphasis on parasitology and crustacean diseases. His grant and contract awards exceed $12 million, with funding from NOAA, EPA, NSF, and other sources.
An internationally known expert in his field, Jeff serves on numerous boards, committees, and review panels. His research—which ranges from the molecular to the population level—informs the regulation of the blue crab fishery in Chesapeake Bay, the lobster fishery in New England, and other crustacean fisheries around the globe.
Jeff has successfully involved students of all levels in his work, with his program a model for engaging them as active contributors to the development and implementation of research projects. His students and post-docs have served as lead author on numerous publications and have gone on to positions at universities, private companies, national museums, and government agencies. Their numerous awards and successful careers are a clear testament to the valuable training they receive in Jeff’s lab.
In summary, Jeff is a respected researcher and teacher with a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit. He is very creative with a wealth of new ideas and is enthusiastic about pursuing new research directions. Jeff’s research exhibits the best qualities of VIMS and makes him a very worthy recipient of this award.