Adina Paytan, a professor in the Earth and Planetary Science Department and the Institute of Marine Science, has been awarded the Tommy and Yvette Edmondson Distinguished Service Award by the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO). The award recognizes Paytan’s leadership in advancing international research collaborations for early-career scientists through the ASLO Limnology and Oceanography Research Exchange (LOREX) program.
Paytan will receive the award at the 2025 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Charlotte, N.C., in March.
Launched in 2019 with funding from the National Science Foundation, LOREX provides U.S. graduate students studying aquatic sciences with hands-on experience in conducting international research. Under Paytan’s leadership as the program’s principal investigator, LOREX has helped more than 70 students develop global professional networks, contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and forge long-term collaborations with researchers around the world.
“This program has opened doors for so many young scientists, giving them the opportunity to foster their own collaborations, build international partnerships and gain critical experience in initiating and executing collaborative research,” said Paytan. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award, but even more gratified to see the impact LOREX has had on students’ careers and the field as a whole.”
ASLO President Susanne Menden-Deuer praised Paytan’s leadership, noting her unwavering dedication to mentoring students and fostering inclusivity in the scientific community. “The LOREX program has been incredibly successful because of Dr. Paytan's exceptional leadership and tireless efforts to promote international research collaborations. Her unwavering commitment has profoundly transformed the careers of dozens of young, aquatic scientists and fostered a supportive, inclusive, and globally connected community within ASLO and the aquatic sciences, making her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” Menden-Deuer said.
Paytan, who has been at UC Santa Cruz since 2007, is widely recognized for her research on biogeochemical cycles in the present and past, and human impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems. She has also played a key role in efforts to restore wetlands and understand their role in climate resilience.
Throughout her career, Paytan has prioritized mentoring and supporting the next generation of scientists, particularly through initiatives like LOREX. Her dedication to international collaboration was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she worked tirelessly to adapt the program and ensure students could continue their research despite global disruptions.
ASLO, the leading professional organization for aquatic science researchers and educators, has presented the Tommy and Yvette Edmondson Distinguished Service Award to just 11 individuals or teams since its inception in 1993. The award honors those who have made exceptional contributions to society and the field of aquatic sciences.
