Susan Lynn Williams: the Life of an Exceptional Scholar, Leader, and Friend (1951\u20132018)

William C Dennison,Brent B Hughes,James T Carlton,W J Kenworthy ,James W Fourqurean,John F Bruno,Leila J Hamdan,Bruce Nyden,Rosamond L Naylor,K L Heck ,John C Ogden ,Gary A Kendrick,C Peter Mcroy,Frank Mars,John J Stachowicz,Maria Brown ,Thomas Fisher ,Frederick T Short,Richard K Grosberg,Dan J Howard ,Robert C Carpenter ,Megan N Dethier,Donald R Strong,Christine Sur,Suzanne V Olyarnik ,Matthew E S Bracken,A Randall Hughes ,Robert J Orth,Carlos M Duarte,Cascade J B Sorte,Tim J B Carruthers,Michelle Waycott

doi:10.1007/s12237-020-00886-y

Abstract

Susan Lynn Williams (1951–2018) was an exceptional marine ecologist whose research focused broadly on the ecology of benthic nearshore environments dominated by seagrasses, seaweeds, and coral reefs. She took an empirical approach founded in techniques of physiological ecology. Susan was committed to applying her research results to ocean management through outreach to decision-makers and resource managers. Susan’s career included research throughout the USA in tropical, temperate, and polar regions, but she specialized in tropical marine ecology. Susan’s scholarship, leadership, and friendship touched many people, leading to this multi-authored paper. Susan’s scholarship was multi-faceted, and she excelled in scientific discovery, integration of scientific results, application of science for conservation, and teaching, especially as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Susan served in a variety of leadership positions throughout her career. She embodied all facets of leadership; leading by example, listening to others, committing to the “long haul,” maintaining trust, and creating a platform for all to shine. Susan was an important role model for women in science. Susan was also a loyal friend, maintaining friendships for many decades. Susan loved cooking and entertaining with friends. This paper provides an overview of the accomplishments of Susan in the broad categories of scholarship, leadership, and friendship.

Highlights

Susan William’s academic career began at the University of Michigan
Application US Congressman Jared Huffman submitted a tribute to Susan to the Congressional Record that included the following statements: Dr Williams’ scientific research on coastal ecology and her activism surrounding the expansion of marine sanctuaries have left an indelible impact on the world
Her work on the ecology of nearshore marine ecosystems, seagrass, coral reefs, and invasive species helped illustrate the impact of warming oceans on coastal environments and yielded strategies for mitigating those impacts

Summary

Introduction

Susan William’s academic career began at the University of Michigan. She started out in an engineering program, but switched to biology when she discovered her true calling, graduating as a Biology major with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. Susan continued to conduct underwater research projects, most recently focused on understanding the drivers of success in restoring coral habitats (e.g., Williams et al 2017), in Indonesia. Susan’s research added a new component, studying the effects of introduced species, starting with studies of an Asian mussel in San Diego Bay (Reusch and Williams 1999), followed by studies of the invasion of a marine macroalga, Caulerpa, in southern California (e.g., Williams and Grosholz 2002; Williams and Schroeder 2004).

Results

Conclusion