To celebrate the work of Dr. Nora Bynum, who retired last fall from her position as OTS Dean of Academic Programs, OTS announces the Dr. Nora Bynum Fund for Inclusion. Nora has had a profound influence on OTS through her work in education and tropical conservation. She served as OTS Academic Director from 1998 to 2002, developing many courses and programs, and later returned to provide inspired leadership in her role as Dean. Nora played a pivotal role in OTS’ Environmental Sciences and Policy Program, which gives hands-on training to decision makers to foster science-based solutions to pressing problems facing tropical ecosystems and biodiversity. Nora attributes her success to the active mentoring she received from many in the OTS community. She lives by the statement, “There is no limit to how much you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
So many of us count ourselves fortunate to have worked alongside Nora, learning from and collaborating with her, and to have been in the field with her in both Costa Rica and South Africa. As Nora retires, we celebrate her legacy and influence by creating the Dr. Nora Bynum Fund for Inclusion. The fund will support students and early career researchers to work at OTS field stations and to enroll in OTS courses. Nora’s mentorship has changed many lives, and the fund we have named for her will continue this legacy for the scientists and educators of the future.
Perhaps you have had your life changed through your OTS experience — by walking in nature at our field stations, conducting research with OTS’ help, or by taking an OTS course. If so, you know how profound the experience is and how OTS’ work is needed more than ever.
It is not only what we teach, but who has access to what we offer. To include all who will stand ready to contribute what they learn and discover at OTS to meet global challenges, we must radically increase financial support for course scholarships and research fellowships.
Given the promise of our programs and the challenges students face to participate in them, please join many staff, the OTS Board of Directors, and some of our community’s top scientists and supporters. Make a difference for emerging scientists and tomorrow’s change agents by supporting the Dr. Nora Bynum Fund for Inclusion.
You can donate online (or using the QR code). Alternatively, you may send a check to the address below:
OTS North America Office
408 Swift Avenue
Durham, NC 27705
