Hiram College has appointed Dr. Sarah Mabey as the faculty director of the Hiram College Northwoods Field Station
Hiram College has announced the appointment of alumnus Matt Wilson ’06, M.S. as director of the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station and Sarah Mabey, Ph.D., as faculty director of the Hiram College Northwoods Field Station. The appointments strengthen Hiram’s commitment to environmental conservation, student-led research, and hands-on, field-based learning.
Hiram alum Matt Wilson has been announced Hiram College’s new director of the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
Wilson returns to Hiram from Susquehanna University, where he served as director of the Freshwater Research Institute and the Center for Environmental Education and Research Field Station. A stream and restoration ecologist, Wilson has earned national recognition for his work in aquatic ecosystem management, including innovative projects using beaver dam analogues for stream maintenance and stormwater capture.
During his time at Susquehanna, Wilson helped develop immersive research experiences that connected undergraduate students with regional conservation partners. At Hiram, he will lead efforts to expand hands-on learning and research opportunities at the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station, advance restoration initiatives and strengthen the Field Station’s role as a center for ecological research in Northeast Ohio.
“Matt brings an exceptional combination of field station leadership, ecological expertise and a deep commitment to undergraduate education,” said Jeff Swenson, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College. “As a Hiram alumnus, he understands the value of the hands-on learning experiences that define a Hiram education, and he has built his career creating those same kinds of opportunities for students. We are excited to welcome him back to Hiram and look forward to his leadership as we expand the Field Station’s impact on our students, our region and the broader conservation community.”
Hiram has also appointed Dr. Sarah Mabey as faculty director of the Hiram College Northwoods Field Station. A member of the Hiram faculty since 2007, Mabey is a full professor and chair of the Environmental Studies Department. During her tenure at the College, she has also served as faculty chair and coordinator of the Natural History Program.
An expert in avian biology and conservation, Mabey’s research has incorporated big data and citizen science to monitor bird movement and behavior using RFID technology. Her experience in regional conservation planning and longstanding commitment to field-based education will guide the academic and research mission of the Northwoods Field Station.
Together, the appointments position Hiram’s field stations to continue providing students with opportunities to move beyond the traditional classroom and engage directly in research, conservation and environmental study.
