GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Utah professor Nalini Nadkarni took science into prisons where she demonstrated the rehabilitative properties of inmates working with plants.

Her work with this project and other innovative studies led to her selection as the 2013 recipient of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Archie F. Carr Medal. She will discuss her research during a free public program at the museum from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday before receiving the award.

“Dr. Nadkarni was chosen because of her outstanding accomplishments in both her research and in making that research accessible to the public through her outreach,” said David Reed, Florida Museum associate curator of mammals and natural history department chairman. “She is a true pioneer in both areas and is an outstanding candidate for this award.”

The Carr Medal honors the late Archie F. Carr, a University of Florida zoology professor and world authority on sea turtles. The medal recognizes outstanding national and international contributions to the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of our natural heritage. Recipients are chosen by a national jury appointed by the director of the Florida Museum. Nadkarni is the ninth recipient of the medal since 1979.

Nadkarni has written or co-authored four books and more than 90 scientific publications. Her research interests include community and ecosystem ecology of tropical and temperate forest canopies; sharing results of her work with the general public; the effects of forest fragmentation on biodiversity and community function; the development of database tools for canopy researchers; and partnering scientists with artists to enhance forest conservation. The title of her presentation Monday is “Poets, Pulpits, Prisons, and Peer-Review: The Many Pathways to Conservation” at her free presentation.

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Writer: Kate Schofield, kschofield@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: David Reed, dreed@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media Contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu