Jeff McDonnell, a professor of forest hydrology in the Forest Engineering, Resources and Management (FERM) Department at the College of Forestry, has been recognized with Oregon State University’s highest academic honor, the title of "Distinguished Professor." Also receiving the award this year was Alan Acock, Distinguished Professor of Family Sciences in the OSU Department of Human Development and Family Science.
McDonnell is an internationally known expert on watershed hydrology, runoff processes and modeling, isotope hydrology and watershed theory. He has been an OSU faculty member since 1999 and is the holder of the Richardson Chair in Watershed Science.
"Jeff epitomizes the notion of distinction that underlies OSU’s characterization of the qualities of the full professor. He is a world class teacher, a world renowned researcher, and provides extraordinary service to profession, department and university," says Darius Adams, Interim Department Head of FERM. "In the 20 years since his PhD, Jeff’s work has markedly advanced our understanding of the processes of stream flow generation in watersheds—furthering our ability to manage the quality and quantities of water crucial for community and industrial consumption and the functioning of dependent ecosystems."
McDonnell has received many career awards and honors, and has authored more than 150 professional journal articles. He has received the Dalton Medal from the European Geophysical Union, the Gordon Warwick Award from the British Geomorphological Research Group, the Nystrom Award from the Association of American Geographers and the DSc from the University of Canterbury. He was recently elected a fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The international scientific organization focuses on the understanding of the Earth and space, and promotes research, education, and outreach in fields including geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, hydrology, seismology, and others.
"In addition to his national and international leadership, Jeff has very active in bringing together the OSU campus water community to improve its collective identity and visibility," says Steve Tesch, Executive Associate Dean at the College of Forestry. "His reputation and network of colleagues result in a steady stream of international visitors to OSU. He was one of the catalysts for the establishment of the Water Resources Graduate Program and for the Provost's initiative that resulted in the Institute for Water and Watersheds. His energy and enthusiasm have been instrumental in a number of collaborative efforts that benefit Oregon State University."
McDonnell has also been an inspirational mentor to graduate students and has been able to attract some outstanding students to the College of Forestry and to OSU, Tesch notes. These graduates have become emerging leaders in the hydrology profession.
Furthermore, McDonnell's work has international impacts, says Dean Hal Salwasser. "He is one of the world's leading hydrologists, advancing our understanding of how water flows in forested landscapes and how geology, landform, and land use make it flow the way it does. Oregon is most fortunate to have Dr. McDonnell among its many distinguished academic leaders."
