Terrie Williams, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California Santa Cruz, has received the Daniel Giraud Elliot Medal from the National Academy of Sciences. The award includes a $20,000 prize.
In addition to her faculty appointment, Dr. Williams is the director of the university’s Center for Marine Mammal Research and Conservation. Her research focuses on understanding the ecological significance of various marine and terrestrial animals and the adaptive changes that may be necessary for their survival. Earlier in her career, Dr. Williams held fellowships at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the San Diego Zoological Society.
“I am so excited to be standing on the shoulders of the previous recipients of this award. One of the first, nearly a century ago was Ernest Thompson Seton, a personal hero of mine. His books and illustrations detailing the lives of wild animals inspired my entire career,” Dr. Williams said. “I’m working on an illustrated book of big mammals hoping to emulate his awe of nature.”
Dr. Williams holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in environmental and exercise physiology from Rutgers University in New Jersey.