Governor Names VIMS Professor an 'Outstanding Scientist'

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, January 19, 2012

VIMS Professor John Milliman has been named an "Outstanding Scientist" by Gov. Bob McDonnell. Photo courtesy of Katherine Farnsworth.

John Milliman, a professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science since 1993, is a recipient of the Outstanding Scientist award. The award is given annually to those who have excelled in research and commitment to science, and whose contributions to scientific research have extended the boundaries of their own and other fields.

Milliman has conducted research and published seminal works in two areas of marine science – river discharge and carbonate chemistry. He has also worked to establish research ties between the U.S. and China.

“The hallmark of outstanding scientists is the vision they have for both expanding boundaries of scientific knowledge and driving positive societal change,” said Roger Mann, director of Research and Advisory Services at VIMS, in a press release. “John is a visionary par excellence and a globally recognized leader in marine geology.”

In the past 20 years, Milliman has researched how river discharge influences the ocean and how human actions impact river discharge. His work has culminated in the world’s largest river database and the publication of his book, “River Discharge to the Coastal Ocean: A Global Synthesis.”

The book shows how human activities, such as dam building, levee construction and agriculture, have drastically altered river input into the ocean, both decreasing the amount of sediments deposited in deltas and increasing inputs of nitrogen and other nutrients that fuel low-oxygen coastal dead zones.

Milliman’s research career began with a focus on ocean carbonates, compounds that play a key role in buffering ocean acidity and serve as the skeletal building blocks for many marine organisms, including oysters and corals. His 1974 book, “Marine Carbonates,” is considered the definitive text for geologists and biologists on the topic.

At VIMS, he has served as the Dean of Graduate Studies (from 1993-1999) and as the major advisor for 10 graduate students, and as a committee member for 18 others.

“This award is richly deserved recognition for John Milliman, and it’s splendid not just for him but for VIMS and William & Mary as a whole,” said William and Mary President Taylor Reveley. “John is an internationally renowned marine geologist, as well as a master teacher and mentor to his students. By every measure, Dr. Milliman has walked the walk of an outstanding scientist, professor and colleague. He is one of the best.”