Gene Likens

Gene Likens is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds the title of Distinguished Senior Scientist at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES). His work focuses on long-term ecological research, particularly in biogeochemistry, limnology, and environmental policy. Likens is renowned for his pioneering studies at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, examining nutrient cycling and ecosystem responses to environmental changes. He has authored over 200 scientific publications and co-authored influential textbooks like *Limnological Analyses* and *Biogeochemistry of a Forested Ecosystem*.

Research Interests:
- Biogeochemical cycles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
- Long-term ecological monitoring methodologies
- Climate change impacts on precipitation chemistry
- Ecosystem management and policy applications

Publications reflect a focus on nutrient dynamics, acid rain mitigation, and ecosystem resilience. Notable contributions include defining eutrophication control strategies and quantifying road salt pollution in lakes. Likens received the prestigious Blue Planet Prize in 2003, recognizing his transformative contributions to environmental science.

Labs/Teams: Core researcher at Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study, affiliated with Cornell's Stable Isotope Laboratory and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies.