Gov. Tim Kaine, in conjunction with the Science Museum of Virginia, announced University Environmental Science Prof. George Milton Hornberger as one of three of Virginia's Outstanding Scientists of 2007.
The other two honorees are Steven Grant, associate director for translational research and co-leader of the cancer cell biology program at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, and M. Patrick McCormick, a physics professor at Hampton University and co-director of the Center for Atmospheric Sciences, according to Nancy Tait, public relations manager for the Science Museum of Virginia.
Hornberger was recognized for his research, which "studies how water moves underground and how hydrological and geochemical processes combine to produce stream dynamics," according to a press release from Kaine's office.
The honorees were nominated months in advance, Tait said, but the criteria for nominees are not disclosed to the public.
A committee carefully reviewed the nominees, all of whom have backgrounds in the field of science, Tait said, noting that Hornberger is "an international leader in environmental science and hydrology."
Hornberger said he was notified about the decision right before Winter Break.
"It made for a nice holiday season," he said. "I was surprised and delighted."
Hornberger said much of his research examines the effects of acid rain on bodies of fresh water. Such research helps to shed light on how agricultural chemicals were transported to streams, then to larger bodies of water.
Hornberger said he is currently working on a hydrology project based on meadows in Shenandoah Park.
All honorees will be introduced to the General Assembly later in the current session, and a banquet will be held April 19, where they will receive their awards.
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