The Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) is proud to inform that Dr. Pedro Peloso was selected as a 2021 awardee of a Maxwell/Hanrahan Individual Award in Field Biology!
Pedro, who is also an ASA Future Leader of Amphibian Conservation, was awarded by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation in recognition of the quality and creativity of his research, dedication to field biology, and great potential for future impact in his field. Part field biologist and part visual storyteller, Pedro has studied the diversity and evolution of amphibians and reptiles, especially Amazonian frogs, and has highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity.
The Maxwell/Hanrahan Individual Award in Field Biology recognizes individual scientists and provides the support they need to explore and test what they learn at a time when the world faces great challenges – and opportunities. Launched in 2020, the awards provide scientists with funding, attention and support at critical junctures in their careers so they can focus on mastery and creativity, elevate often underrepresented perspectives to problem-solving and promote progress in the biological sciences through individual research focused on our natural world. Nominators confidentially identified scientists for the awards and a committee selected winners based on potential for impact in the field, demonstrated excellence in field biology research, originality and the under-the-radar nature of their work.
The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation focused on field biology because of the founders’ interests and experiences. While a graduate student in Wisconsin, Pat Hanrahan’s professors and colleagues introduced him to the power of exploration in field biology–and despite following a different career path, work with invertebrates and bacteria continues to intrigue him. Delle Maxwell grew up in an environment where science and field work were intertwined. Her father was oceanographer Arthur Maxwell, who conducted research on ocean geothermal measurements. Close family friends included Delle’s sibling Rick in their summer vacation research adventures searching the western U.S. for Paleozoic brachiopods. The intellectual challenge associated with outdoor exploration continues to inspire her. The foundation will expand its investments in individuals committed to exploration and learning in fields including crafts, protecting nature and education.
Learn more about the award and other winners here.