Amber Pitt grew up swimming in New England rivers and lakes alongside freshwater turtles and appreciating their presence.
The Trinity College associate professor of environmental science is now among leading tortoise and turtle researchers globally to be recognized for her expertise by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
“Being part of the IUCN is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for effective conservation strategies,” said Pitt. “It is vital that we continue to monitor and evaluate their status to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect these incredible species.”
The IUCN’s Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group plays a key role in evaluating the status of more than 300 species, providing essential science-based recommendations to determine appropriate threat level categories for the species. The evaluations are critical for informing conservation priorities and guiding policy decisions.
At the most recent international IUCN gathering at the Turtle Conservancy’s headquarters in Ojai, California, Pitt presented an assessment of the Northern Map Turtle, a species of special concern in North America.
Turtles face increasing threats from habitat loss, exploitation, pollution, and climate change, she said.
Katsuya Izumi, senior lecturer in language and culture studies, has received a grant award from the Northeast Asian Council of the Association for Asian Studies to support research for an upcoming book.
Trinity College Assistant Professor of International Studies Natassja B. Gunasena was awarded a Career Enhancement Fellowship for Junior Faculty by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars to support research that she plans to publish as a book.
A striking and colorful piece of art in the Cornelia Center created by conceptual artist Sol LeWitt underwent a thorough restoration this summer, nearly three decades after its installation.
Trinity College students Augustin Millet ’28 and Noah R. Turner ’27 spent a month conducting archaeological research in Greece this summer alongside Associate Professor of Classical Studies Martha K. Risser.
