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Highlands Today

Scientists Converge On Archbold Station

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: February 19, 2008

This story was published in the print version of Highlands Today on Feb. 14. 2008

VENUS — The myth that modern scientists work alone staring into space or mixing chemicals in an otherwise empty laboratory was thoroughly debunked this week at Archbold Biological Station.

Seventy scientists from 17 countries met this week at the biological field station for four days. The Global Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) met to discuss and share information about monitoring lakes.

But possibly — as valuable as the exchange of cutting edge technology — was the chance for several students and both younger and more seasoned scientists to meet face to face.

Hilary Swain, executive director at Archbold and a GLEON session host, was excited that graduate students were able to mix with those who might have, up until then, only shared an Internet connection.

"The idea that science is a solitary experience is long past," said Patrick Brezonik of the University of Minnesota's environmental engineering program. "We have to work together. That's how we make progress. "

Cintia Piccolo was visiting from The Instituto Argentino de Oceanografia, of Argentina.
"We have to share all our work," said Piccolo. "We learn by sharing our experiences and knowledge. We have different fields and different kinds of work, but we share common themes."

Kevin Rose hails form Miami University, in Ohio, where he is a Ph.D. candidate for advanced degrees in zoology and ecology.

"This is a great opportunity for the future," said Rose. "Being with the leading minds aids collaboration and stimulates ideas. It's give and take.

"You can have your own line of thought, and others have similar concepts, but a different point of view. It clarifies and spurs new ideas on how to develop a personal hypothesis."

The entrance to Archbold Biological Station, established in 1941, is located 1. 5 miles west of U.S. 27 on State Road 70. The facility is comprised of the 5,193-acre biological station, the 10,500 acre MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center and a 3,648-acre former cattle ranch adjacent to the station, the Reserve.

Laboratories, extensive library collections and computer facilities at the pristine natural site attract researchers from all corners of the globe. Specialty data bases on climate, plant and animal populations, water tables, water chemistry and fire history are available for research projects.

Richard Archbold, an aviator and explorer, founded Archbold Expeditions in 1937, following a 1,050 acre land donation from John A. Roebling, a New Jersey industrialist whose family designed and built the Brooklyn Bridge.

The GLEON meeting at the station centered on Monday's placement of a $20,000 monitoring device on Lake Annie. The pristine 90-acre lake is one of the purest in Florida and at 68 feet deep, with at least 36 feet of sediment, is a scientist's ideal place to study.

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