On November 16, 2024, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey honored Howard Ginsberg with its Distinguished Naturalist Award at a gala at the Quonset O Club in North Kingstown celebrating the Survey’s 30th anniversary. The successful letter of nomination was submitted by URI Professor Emeritus Roger Lebrun.
Dr. Howard Ginsberg [Howie to most of the world] has excelled in every criterion of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award and is highly deserving of this distinction. He has significantly advanced scientific knowledge of Rhode Island’s organisms and ecosystems as evidenced by his published books, scientific papers, and monographs. Notably, his seminal work on mosquito, tick, and pollinator ecology in the state, the region, and the nation. Ginsberg has put Rhode Island on the map as an international resource in vector-borne disease and pollinator ecology.
Howie Ginsberg is recognized as an outstanding teacher and educator to graduate and undergraduate students and the general public on the ecological significance of Rhode Island’s insects and natural systems. His courses in insect ecology, emerging infectious disease and bee biology have been highly praised and keenly sought after. He is also in great demand as a guest speaker in the classroom, town meetings and government forums.
For the past 20 years, Howie Ginsberg has enhanced public awareness of the importance of understanding Rhode Island’s ecosystems. As a founding member of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey board of directors and a longtime member of the Rhode Island Mosquito Abatement Board, he contributed his expertise in vector ecology to protect both the environment and public health, sometimes a very fine line to walk. Ginsberg has walked this line with brilliant insight and considerable knowledge gleaned from decades of experience as a contributor to both local and national public health issues. National awards from the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service and Rhode Island awards from the Office of the Governor attest to his considerable service to the citizens of Rhode Island and the nation.
Howie Ginsberg always makes the time for new faculty, students and the general public alike to share his considerable expertise in insect ecology and natural history. Whether it be a grant application, a draft manuscript, a colorful insect brought in by a graduate student, or a terrifying insect brought in by a local homeowner, Dr. Ginsberg will take the time and effort to generously contribute all he can and share his brilliant insight into the problem.
I know of no one better suited to receive this year’s Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award.
—Roger Lebrun, Carnegie Professor of Life Sciences Emeritus, University of Rhode Island