Gov. Kaine Names U.Va.'s George Hornberger Outstanding Scientist
Feb.
2, 2007 -- Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Science Museum of Virginia
Director Dr. Walter R. T. Witschey announced Jan. 30 that George
Hornberger, the Ernest H. Ern Professor of Environmental Sciences at
the University of Virginia, is one of five Outstanding Scientists and
Industrialists of 2007. The honorees will be introduced to the General
Assembly on Feb. 22 and will receive their awards at a banquet at the
Science Museum in Richmond on Thursday, April 19.
“These select people are at the top of their fields,” said Governor
Kaine. “This year’s Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists have
expertise in cancer research, environmental science and hydrology,
physics and atmospheric science, technology services and science
education. Their creativity, contributions and dedication are aimed at
making life better for us all.”
Hornberger is an international leader in environmental science and
hydrology. His research has led to better understanding of the effects
of acid rain on the Blue Ridge, pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, and
what happens to agricultural chemicals in Shenandoah Valley and
Piedmont water supplies. He also has worked with the National Research
Council and the Department of Energy on issues involving safe disposal
of nuclear waste.
Hornberger studies how water moves underground and how hydrological and
geochemical processes combine to produce stream dynamics. He does this
by combining field observation with mathematical modeling. Hornberger
is a presidential appointee to the Nuclear Waste Technical Review
Board. He is president of the American Geophysical Union Hydrology
Section and chair of the National Research Council’s Earth Sciences and
Resources Board.
“Science and industry are such an integral part of our existence that
we often take them for granted,” said Witschey. “Virginia’s Outstanding
Scientist and Industrialist awards give us an opportunity to stop and
recognize the people whose hard work and talent have helped create the
technology and lifestyle we enjoy every day."
