Christopher Heckscher has discovered several new species of fireflies, including over five different varieties.
NEWARK, DE, July 08, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Christopher Heckscher has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Heckscher, with a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in entomology and wildlife ecology, has dedicated over 15 years to his profession as an environmental scientist and ecologist. Since 2008, he has served as a professor of environmental science and ecology at Delaware State University, where he manages a balance between his research responsibilities and teaching commitments. His tenure at Delaware State University marks a significant phase in his career, as he can contribute to academia while also mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Heckscher was a zoologist with The Nature Conservancy between 1993 to 2002, a position that allowed him to engage directly with wildlife conservation efforts, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in environmental science. His career is further distinguished by his involvement with several key organizations and councils within Delaware, including the Delaware Native Species Commission since 2017, the Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council since 2014, and the Delaware Natural Heritage Program at the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife from 1996 to 2008. Such roles underscore his commitment to environmental conservation and policy advocacy at both state and national levels.
Along with his involvement in key councils and programs, Dr. Heckscher’s professional affiliations extend to numerous industry-related organizations, such as the American Ornithological Society, the Wilson Ornithological Society, the Association of Field Ornithologists, the American Society of Naturalists, and the Cooper Ornithological Society. Additionally, he is involved with the Delmarva Ornithological Society, the Coalition for Natural Stream Valleys, the Coleopterists Society, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s International Species Survival Commission. Membership with these societies not only reflects his broad interests in environmental science but also his active participation in advancing research and conservation efforts.
Dr. Heckscher’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology, which he earned from Colorado State University in 1990, followed by a Master of Science in entomology and applied ecology from the University of Delaware. After graduating with his master’s in 2002, his academic career culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy in entomology and wildlife ecology from the same institution in 2008. In all he has pursued and achieved, Dr. Heckscher attributes much of his success to the guidance received from mentors throughout his academic and professional life, as such relationships have been instrumental in shaping his approach to research and teaching.
Throughout his career, Dr. Heckscher has made significant contributions and discoveries. For nearly 30 years, he has been passionately studying a unique species of bird and remains dedicated to running a field project each year to collect data on veeries—a feat very few researchers can lay claim to. Moreover, through his entomological work, he has discovered several new species of fireflies, including over five different varieties. For his work and contributions, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to environmental science and conservation.
Notably, Dr. Heckscher was awarded the Annual Conservation Award by the Delmarva Ornithological Society in 2016 and has been recognized by both state agencies and national publications for his work. His research has been featured prominently in Smithsonian Magazine and, most recently, his ornithology work appeared in National Geographic in 2023. These recognitions not only underscore his expertise but also reflect his passion for sharing knowledge about the natural world.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Heckscher is deeply committed to personal goals that align with his passion for the environment. As an avid enthusiast of fly fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching, and outdoor photography, he plans to further intensify his involvement in ongoing research projects that conserve these ecosystems. His dedication to seeing these projects through to completion demonstrates a relentless pursuit of knowledge and contribution to environmental science.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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