Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Heather Benway Receives AGU Honor
Honors Program recognizes individuals and teams for accomplishments in research, education, science communication and outreach
September 22, 2023
Heather Benway, Senior Research Specialist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Woods Hole, Mass. – Heather Benway, a senior research specialist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the recipient of the 2023 Ocean Science Award from the American Geological Union (AGU).
According to AGU, “Honorees and their scientific efforts have transformed our understanding of the world, impacted our everyday lives, improved our communities and contributed to solutions for a sustainable future.”
Benway’s research focuses on nutrient cycling and paleoceanography, involving the complex interplay between marine ecosystems and biogeochemistry. In addition, she serves as the Executive Officer of the Ocean Carbon & Biochemistry (OCB) Project Office. OCB is a network of scientists who work across disciplines to understand the ocean's role in the global carbon cycle and the response of marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles to environmental change. The team works closely with scientists, federal agency managers, and other partners to cultivate new research areas and funding opportunities.
“Heather’s ability to cultivate a collaborative environment across ocean science disciplines is critical to our work here at WHOI and to the entire scientific community,” said Rick Murray, WHOI’s Deputy Director and VP, Science & Engineering. “We are all in her debt for her vision and leadership.”
Honorees will be recognized at AGU23, which will convene more than 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries in San Francisco and online everywhere on 11-15 December 2023. A list of this year’s recipients can be found here: AGU’s Union Medals, Awards and Prizes; Fellows; Section Awards and Lectures; and Scholarship and Grants.
