Parting is always such sweet sorrow. Although we have a tinge of sadness this week at DSN, sometimes we’re powerless to halt change. In this case, we must console ourselves with cocktails and wave our friends off into the sunset.
Rick and Al have left the nest. But a loss for DSN means a big win for the world of marine science and conservation. Commitments and time demands increase exponentially with awesomeness. And Rick and Al are just that awesome.
I’ve learned a lot from both of them during my time here at DSN. Rick has given me deep insight into the world of nonprofits and marine policy, giving much context to my own career path in basic blue-skies research. Al has a wonderfully informed and pragmatic outlook, and has opened my eyes to many aspects of conservation and research where I’m admittedly ignorant. I thank them both for routinely jolting my life in the Ivory Tower, and keeping me grounded in the real world.
Rick and Al – thank you for your time at DSN, thank you for your camaraderie, and thank you for your dedication to oceans! I promise to continue showing up on your doorstep whenever I’m in town, and you (especially Rick) can ply me with food and drink and science!
