MACON—Mercer University biology professor John Shepherd was recently named a Fulbright scholar, and will travel to Argentina next year to teach and conduct research through the support of this prestigious award.

Shepherd will work with Argentine scientists in Lanin National Park on a project titled "Non-Native Mammals in Araucaria Forests: Impacts and Implications for Conservation Management." Their goal is to evaluate the impact of exotic species on conservation areas and help develop management strategies. Shepherd will also teach ecology to graduate students at the National University of Comahue in northwestern Patagonia.

"I am delighted to have been selected for the Fulbright Award," said Shepherd. "We'll work amidst the natural beauty of Patagonia with Argentine students and scientists who share our interest in conservation."

Shepherd received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and joined the University faculty in 1980. He teaches ecology, conservation and population biology, botany, evolution, introductory biology classes and scientific inquiry at Mercer.

The innovation of former U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright program was launched in 1946. It has since expanded into seven distinct programs, allowing visiting scholars to come to America as well as sending U.S. faculty and professionals abroad.

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