NEW BEDFORD — Dr. Steven Lohrenz, a University of Southern Mississippi marine scientist who served on a scientific research team responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has been tapped as the new dean of the UMass School of Marine Science and Technology.
"Dr. Lohrenz's experience as a faculty member and researcher since 1987 has prepared him exceptionally well for his leadership roles at USM and nationally," UMass Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack said in announcing the appointment Wednesday.
"He is eager and enthusiastic about joining the SMAST team of scientists. We are very impressed with his ideas, his common-sense leadership approach and creative energy. He will certainly help us to bring SMAST to its next level of competitiveness and contribution."
Lohrenz received his Ph.D. in biological oceanography from the MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Both he and his wife, Maura, who is also an MIT graduate, have strong ties to New England and SouthCoast.
In a statement, Lohrenz said, "Our marine and coastal environments are critically important to the economy and well-being of the region and the nation. SMAST has and will continue to play a key role in improving understanding and awareness of marine environments and processes, in facilitating stewardship of marine resources and in contributing to the continued growth of marine technology industries."
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