Dr. Michael Curran owns and operates Abnova Ecological Solutions, a small ecological consulting and research firm which specializes in ecological restoration, land reclamation, environmental monitoring, environmental data management, and a variety of other ecology related matters. Mike is originally from Manasquan, NJ and has bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences, Geography, and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies from University of Delaware, where he worked as an undergraduate research assistant studying native vs. non-native plant impacts on terrestrial food webs. He has a Master of Science degree in Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management as well as a PhD in Ecology and a Graduate Minor in Statistics from University of Wyoming. Curran received both the MS and PhD Student Awards from the American Society of Reclamation Sciences upon completion of each degree, both of which had a research component focused on land reclamation and ecosystem services associated with oil and gas development in Wyoming. In graduate school, Curran worked with 26 oil and gas operators along with numerous State and Federal Government agencies. Between graduating from University of Wyoming and starting Abnova, Curran held a post-doctoral research position studying how to monitor wildlife with drones at Mississippi State University and has become a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner and Certified Wildlife Biologist. He also managed a native plant section at a large retail nursery in New Jersey. Through Abnova, Curran works with numerous oil, gas, renewable energy and mining groups as well as with several government agencies to solve simple and complex ecological problems, mostly related to reclamation, threatened and endangered species, and decision management.
Congratulations to all award winners — more can be found at www.asrs.us/society-awards
