Rob Moir, Ph.D., Recognized for Stellar Environmental Work

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rob Moir, Ph.D., is a distinguished biographee of Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are chosen from among a pool of the most prominent professionals and are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A distinguished educator and scientist, Dr. Moir has been a staunch environmental activist throughout his entire career and a leader in efforts to clean up the Salem Sound and Boston Harbor. Currently serving as executive director of the Ocean River Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a position he has held since its incorporation in 2007, he has also been active as the founding chair of the board of directors at Ocean Champions since 2003. With his work keeping him on the front lines of environmental activism, Dr. Moir provides support services for other environmental groups, conducts citizen science training and support, and is responsible for environmental monitoring, surveying and assessment, as well as providing ecosystem-based and bio regional management and ecosystem and wildlife stewardship.

Prior to his current work with the Ocean River Institute, Dr. Moir worked as an outreach manager with Ocean Conservancy in 2007 and as vice president of science policy at Ocean Alliance in 2006. Serving as a treasurer for the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters from 2011 to 2012, he was a partner and advisory council representative for the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area Partnership from 1996 to 2000. Earlier in his career, Dr. Moir was active as a curator of natural history with the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, from 1984 to 1992, a science teacher in public and private schools, and as an assistant scientist at the Sea Education Association in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, from 1979 to 1980.

Involved in his community as well, Dr. Moir founded Global Warming Solutions IE-PAC, also known as Global Warming Problem Solvers, as a way to fight against climate change through local efforts and legislations. Recently, Global Warming Solutions worked to unseat Governor Charlie Baker for the actions he has taken in repealing environmental protections and eliminating solar energy jobs in the state of Massachusetts. Furthering his support of environmental education, Dr. Moir also served as a trustee for The Cambridge School of Weston in Massachusetts and as the curator of education at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts.

Becoming involved in his profession out of desire to protect the environment, Dr. Moir received a diploma from The Cambridge School of Weston in 1972 before pursuing an education at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in natural history in 1977. Following this accomplishment, he continued his academic efforts with a Master of Studies in science teaching and environmental management at Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire, in 1979. Concluding his higher education with a Doctor of Philosophy in environmental studies at Antioch University in 2002, Dr. Moir was also certified in ecology by the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1979.

In order to remain abreast of developments in his field, Dr. Moir maintains affiliation the Society for Conservation Biology and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), as well as with the National Marine Educators Association and the Essex County Ornithological Club, having previously served both as president. Also a Member of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, he is past chair of the advisory council of the Boston Harbor Islands Natural Park Area as well.

The recipient of a number of honors and accolades over the course of his career, Dr. Moir was awarded a Switzer Environmental Fellowship through the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation in 1996 and the James Centorino Award for distinguished performance in marine education by the National Marine Educators Association in 1988. In 1976, he was presented with the Rockefeller Brothers Fund Award for the development of a college course on whale/dolphin biology, ecology and conservation. Furthermore, he was honored with the Distinguished Humanitarian Award and the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 for excellence in his career.

Even outside of his career, Dr. Moir never tires of nature. Some of his favorite pastimes include field biology, natural history, spending time in nature admiring the wildlife, whale and seabird watching. Also finding great enjoyment in such activities as canoeing, kayaking, sailing and hiking, it's easy to see why Dr. Moir is so passionate about his environmental work.

SOURCE Marquis Who's Who