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Pinelands Commission Appoints New Chief Scientist
NEW JERSEY - John Bunnell, a research scientist who has worked for the New Jersey Pinelands Commission since 1989, has been appointed as the commission's new chief scientist and will oversee the panel's science office.
Bunnell will replace the commission's longtime chief scientist, Dr. Robert A. Zampella, who is retiring from the Pinelands panel on December 1.
"I look forward to our future research opportunities and challenges, and I feel honored to fill the shoes of such an extraordinary scientist as Dr. Robert A. Zampella," said Bunnell, who lives in Tabernacle Township, Burlington County.
Bunnell holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in environmental science from Juniata College and a Master's of Science degree in biology from Rutgers University. He joined the commission's science office in December 1989 and was first employed to conduct the field research component of the commission's study to determine the effectiveness of pressure-dosing septic systems in reducing pollution levels.
In the last 10 years, Bunnell authored or co-authored 11 research articles that were published in nationally-recognized ecological journals. He also authored or co-authored 13 other reports. These journal articles and reports cover a wide range of research projects, including ecological indicators, landscape changes, water levels and aquatic degradation. Most recently, Bunnell was a contributor to the recently-completed assessment of the Pineland's ecological integrity, and he manages the water quality, fish, frog and land-use components of the commission's environmental monitoring program, the aquatic and frog components of the nearly-completed study of the Kirkwood Cohansey aquifer and the ecological maintenance plan project for electric transmission rights-of-way.
"The commission's science office is playing an increasingly important role in providing the scientific basis for important policy decisions, including an ongoing re-examination of Pinelands Management Areas," said John C. Stokes, the commission's executive director. "I look forward to working with John to further these efforts, which will ultimately help us achieve our mission to protect the Pinelands."
Bunnell will fill the position currently held by Dr. Zampella, who joined the commission during its first year of operation in 1979. Dr. Zampella developed a vast and respected body of scientific research during his employment with the commission. He authored or co-authored more than 20 Pinelands Commission reports and authored or co-authored more than 20 research articles that were published in nationally-recognized ecological journals. He also authored or co-authored seven book chapters and proceedings. In addition, Dr. Zampella oversaw numerous commission-led research projects, including the environmental monitoring and watershed studies, the Kirkwood-Cohansey study and the assessment of the Pinelands' ecology integrity.
"Dr. Zampella was instrumental in building the foundation for what I believe stands today as a truly remarkable and successful conservation program," Stokes said. "Although it's difficult to think about the Pinelands Commission without him, he is leaving us with a very healthy and vibrant research program that is unsurpassed in the public sector."
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