-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Jones Named Chief Scientist for Geography
Date:   Tue, 25 Apr 2006 09:36:08 -0400
From:   Karen Renee Wood <[log in to unmask]>
To:     maps-l



U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey


For release:  April 25, 2006
Contact:  Karen Wood, 703-648-4447


Jones Named Chief Scientist for Geography

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has named Kenneth (Bruce) Jones as the
new chief scientist for Geography.  He will assume his new position on May
1.

?Bruce brings a wealth of experience to USGS research programs in
geography, experience that is especially well aligned with the USGS focus
on land surface analysis, earth observation, and science information in
public policy,? said Barbara J. Ryan, Associate Director for Geography.

The geography program of the USGS monitors land surface change by
observing the Earth with remote sensing satellites, studies the
connections between people and those changes with incisive geographic
analysis and provides individuals and society with science information
they can use to manage the consequences of those changes.

Jones is known for his science leadership in the areas of remote sensing,
landscape ecology, biogeography, and geographic information systems.  He
comes to the USGS from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
where he served as senior scientist at the National Exposure Laboratory
Office of Research and Development in Las Vegas.  While at EPA Jones?
research focused on developing methods for describing the qualities or
peculiarities of chemical and physical stressors, such as contaminants,
land use, and habitat change. His long-term research has been geared
toward increasing the capability to assess ecological landscapes at
varying geographic scales.

A native of New Jersey, Jones holds a bachelor of science degree in
biology from Jacksonville (FL) University, a master of science degree in
ecology from New Mexico State University, and a Ph.D. in environmental
biology from the University of Nevada.

His achievements have brought him wide recognition within the geographic
science community, as well as awards from organizations such as EPA, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Society, the University of
Nevada, and the International Statistical Institute.

 The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information
to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property
from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral
resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

To receive USGS news releases go to www.usgs.gov/public/list_server.html

**** www.usgs.gov ****





Karen Wood
Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Communications
703-648-4447
Fax: 703-648-4466
Email: [log in to unmask]