Sightings | Alumni Spotlight

Nicholas School Alum Named One of Scientific American 50

Sandra Postel MEM'80 has been named by Scientific American as one of the "Scientific American 50" in recognition of accomplishments that demonstrate a "clear, progressive view of the technological future, and the leadership, knowledge and expertise needed to make that vision a reality." Postel, who directs the Global Water Policy Project in Amherst, Mass., was honored in the magazine's December 2002 issue as Policy Leader in Agriculture for advocating sweeping changes aimed at preserving the world's dwindling supplies of freshwater.

"Few challenges loom as large as meeting the food and water needs of the world's growing population while at the same time protecting the freshwater ecosystems that sustain life," she said. "Meeting this challenge requires fundamental shifts in how we use, value and manage the earth's finite freshwater."

In 1991, the Nicholas School recognized Postel for her contributions to her field with the Ralston Distinguished Alumni Award.

A leading authority on global freshwater issues, Postel speaks at conferences and universities and has published extensively. Her new book on river conservation - which follows her Pillar of Sand: Can the Irrigation Miracle Last? and Last Oasis - is due out this summer. She is a senior fellow at Worldwatch Institute and a visiting senior lecturer in environmental studies at Mount Holyoke College.

"My Duke education was great preparation for the work I have been engaged in for the last 20 years. Water problems are inherently interdisciplinary - spanning science, technology, economics, policy, law and ethics. Thanks in no small part to my time and training at Duke, I am comfortable in this interdisciplinary zone."

--Laura Ertel