Debbie Morrin-Nordlund
Debbie Morrin-Nordlund, who served as the Assistant Director of the MEES Graduate Program for over 18 years, passed away in early 2014 at the age of 51. Debbie was fiercely dedicated to MEES students and made sure they were treated fairly and provided sound advice and guidance throughout their program of study. She diligently maintained accurate records of each student and made sure they were up-to-date with their program. Debbie looked forward each year to the MEES Colloquium where she could meet students face-to-face, see their work in posters and presentations, and carefully ascertain the current problems and challenges her students faced. Debbie was a mother to all MEES students and patiently listened to their trials and tribulations and always did what she could to help them. She was recognized by the Dean of the College of Life Sciences for her hard work with the 2001 Staff Excellence Award.
Debbie earned a Masters degree in MEES in 1992 in Marjorie Reaka’s laboratory. She conducted most of her work at the Bermuda Research Station and during that time became keenly aware of the lack of support for student travel. Therefore, we have chosen to dedicate a travel award in her honor. To that end, her parents, Michael and Nancy Morrin, have generously donated funds in her memory to assist MEES students to present their work at professional meetings or travel to conduct their research.