Scott Connelly, assistant professor in the Odum School of Ecology, has been honored with the 2017 Costa Rica Adelante Award by the Office of International Education. The award recognizes dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the UGA Costa Rica campus and education abroad programs. It was presented by Dr. Hilda Mata, interim director of UGA Costa Rica, at an awards reception on April 4.

“I cannot imagine anyone who deserves the award more than Scott,” said Mata.

Connelly, whose research areas in Costa Rica include the ecosystem effects of biodiversity loss with a focus on amphibian declines, and stream-water quality and quantity issues, has taught at the Costa Rica campus since 2008. His courses have included conservation biology, general and honors ecology, ecology research methods and tropical field ecology. He served as the resident faculty director of ecology programs from 2009-2013, working with visiting students and faculty and helping to develop opportunities for research collaborations between UGA Costa Rica and local organizations and institutions. He currently teaches the Maymester tropical field ecology program, which gives students the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s many ecosystems from mountain cloud forests to the tropical marine habitats of the Pacific coast.

“We’re most appreciative of this recognition of Scott for his many years of service to UGA Costa Rica,” said John Gittleman, dean of the Odum School. “His dedication to the students and to strengthening the program have been immeasurable.”

More information about the Costa Rica Adelante Award and UGA Costa Rica can be found at http://international.uga.edu/oie.