B.S. Forest Science, 1978

Michael W. Tome earned a B.S. in Forest Science in 1978 and then completed an M.S. in Wildlife Management at the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in Natural Resources at the University of Michigan.

During his undergraduate years he was recognized with the P. F. English Award by the Northeast Section of The Wildlife Society, Gamma Sigma Delta Award for Outstanding Sophomore, and President's Freshman Award for academic achievement. During his graduate studies at the University of Michigan he was recognized for his academic achievement with the H. M. Wight Memorial Prize and awarded a Rackham pre-doctoral fellowship.

Mike's masters and doctoral research tested hypotheses related to foraging theory using the ruddy duck as a study species. After completing his degrees he worked at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center for five years as a research biologist in the Contaminant Ecology Section. He then worked as a migratory bird specialist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North American Waterfowl and Wetlands Office. During this time as a research biologist, Mike published 16 scientific papers on the ecology of ruddy ducks, effects of pesticides on wetlands and waterfowl, and protecting wetland habitats under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Since 1994 Mike has served as unit supervisor for the Cooperative Research Units Program with the U.S. Geological Survey. He supervises USGS scientists stationed at universities from Maine to Alaska to Virginia including those stationed at Penn State. He was recognized with a Star Award from the Cooperative Research Units program in 2005 and again in 2010 for his success in strengthening the cooperative relationships among state natural resource agencies, the university, and USGS researchers at respective Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units.

Mike served a 3-year term on the School of Forest Resources Alumni Group board of directors (1999-2002).

He helped coach his son's Little League team and served as League secretary four years. Mike then served as president of the area Babe Ruth organization for 8 years where he helped raise $120,000 to replace the lights on the league's baseball field. He is active in his local retriever club having served as both vice president and president. His latest black lab has been recognized nationally for his hunting and retrieving abilities.

Mike and his wife Karin live in Brunswick, MD. They have two sons: Jesse, a 2010 Penn State graduate who now works for the Washington Nationals MLB team; and Ethan, a sophomore at Towson University.

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Address

117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
Directions

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Address

117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
Directions