2019 Ecology and Environment Richard D. Morse Award Winners

The Adirondack Research Consortium is pleased to announce that two college seniors have been selected to receive the 2019 Rick Morse Award.  This $500 Award is given annually to students that share Rick’s passion for environmental policy, music, and/or outdoor activities in the Adirondacks. The Awards will be presented
at the 16thAnnual Conference on the Adirondacks.        

Katherine Gale is a 2019 graduate of Paul Smith’s College with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, and a dual minor of Botany and Chemistry. While at the College, she enjoyed hiking, kayaking, and rock-climbing.   She developed programs for fellow students on hiking, paddling, camping, and rock climbing. She developed “The Art’s Program”, a program to connect students to music, theatre, and the arts. Katherine has worked for the DEC Environmental Camps and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program in education and outreach positions. Katherine plans to pursue a master’s degree and a career in education.

Kai Scarangella is an Environmental Studies major, with a chemistry focus, at Hamilton College. At Hamilton, she was the President of the Hamilton Environmental Action Group She participated in Hamilton’s Adirondack Program and interned at the Adirondack Watershed Institute and the Adirondack Mountain Club. She is an avid hiker and aspiring 46er and has completed 27 of the High Peaks and plans to summit all 46 by spring 2020.  As a Hamilton Outing Club leader, she leads hiking and snowshoeing trips to the Adirondacks. Kai plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Science focusing on public policy.