Harvard Forest Staff Honored With University Awards

This spring, three Harvard Forest staff members have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Harvard Forest and greater Harvard University community. For their dedication and impactful contributions, Alisha Morin and Katharine Hinkle have been honored as 2024 Harvard Heroes, and for her exceptional leadership, Meg Fuchs has been honored with the 2024 Dean's Distinction Award. 

Exemplifying the spirits of service and excellence that define the Harvard community, Alisha Morin, Financial Associate, has been a steadfast member of the Harvard Forest community since 2014. With thoughtfulness, flexibility, precision, and an unwavering commitment to community, Alisha consistently facilitates Harvard Forest's collective success across all departments. 

Katharine Hinkle, Youth Education Manager at Harvard Forest since 2022, has seamlessly taken over leadership of the Schoolyard Ecology program, supporting K12 educators and students in collecting long-term citizen science data on climate change. She has initiated projects to make the program more accessible to urban schools and has launched educational research studies, including one on the impact of the program on middle school students' science identity conducted in partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In addition to celebrating Alisha and Katharine's achievements, the Harvard Forest community honors the leadership of Meg Fuchs, Director of Administration and Facilities since 2019, on her receipt of the Dean's Distinction award. Meg's exceptional citizenship, collaboration, and outstanding contributions to Harvard Forest and the University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences have earned her this distinguished recognition. With good humor, integrity, and steadfast leadership, Meg inspires the Harvard Forest community by demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, inclusion, collaboration, and equity.

Together, Alisha, Katharine, and Meg represent the Harvard Forest community's strengths and forward momentum. Their tireless efforts and remarkable achievements enrich the Harvard community and inspire us to continuously create positive change for all.

By Emily Johnson