Dr. Wes Tunnell Named Outstanding Research Scholar

Dr. John W. “Wes” Tunnell has been named the Outstanding Research Scholar for 2006-2007 by The Academy Speaks at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Tunnell is director of the Center for Coastal Studies, associate director of the Harte Research Center and professor of biology.
He was honored with the Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activity Award during a reception April 17 to celebrate National Library Week. The reception was hosted by the Mary and Jeff Bell Library and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

Tunnell began his academic career at the University in 1974 and was instrumental in starting the master of science degree in biology the following year. He has had numerous presentations, papers, technical reports and articles published in books, proceedings and journals. Currently, Tunnell is working on several book projects.

Other Faculty Excellence Award winners were Dr. Gregory W. Buck, assistant professor of biology, Excellence in Teaching Award; Dr. Martin J. Ward, associate professor of education, Outstanding Service Award; and Dr. Thomas H. Kreneck, associate director for Special Collections and Archives, Excellence in Librarianship.

Dr. Tunnell will be featured in a segment of the PBS series “State of Tomorrow” Sunday, May 20 at 5 p.m. on KEDT-TV. The series about the future of Texas will examine the work on coastal issues being conducted by the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies.