“Taber brings extraordinary wind-wildlife expertise, a commitment to rigorous scientific research, and years of experience working with diverse stakeholders to study and protect ecological resources,” said Abby Arnold, Executive Director of AWWI.  For example, on the issue of wind energy and wildlife, Dr. Allison co-led Mass Audubon’s evaluation of Cape Wind and directed independent field studies on avian impacts at the proposed project site. Many have praised his work for setting a new standard for comprehensive wind-wildlife evaluation, which helped facilitate responsible siting. 

 

Dr. Allison brings over twenty-five years of expertise in the study and stewardship of ecological resources to AWWI. Educated as a plant ecologist, Dr. Allison has served on the faculty of the Ohio State University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Colorado, Williams College and the University of Minnesota. He has also served in leadership positions at prominent research institutes that include the National Science Foundation’s Division of Environmental Biology and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. in plant ecology from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree of forest science from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a bachelor’s of arts in biology from Wesleyan University.

 

Dr. Allison will oversee AWWI’s research programs, including a research information system pilot, a research plan, and mitigation strategies. He will carry on the work of Dr. Judd Howell, who has directed AWWI’s research for the past two years. Howell will continue with AWWI through the transition.