Penn State Scranton Associate Professor of Biology Dale Holen is the recipient of the Northeast Algal Society Frank Shipley Collins award for meritorious service to society. Holen's involvement with the Northeast Algal Society spans several years, with his role evolving from attendee to active participant.
DUNNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton Associate Professor of Biology Dale Holen has been awarded the Northeast Algal Society's Frank Shipley Collins award for meritorious service to the society. The Northeast Algal Society (NEAS) is a regional phycological society dedicated to advancing algae research and education in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
Holen said he was “very surprised,” upon hearing the news, as he was unaware that he had been nominated. Named after Frank Shipley Collins, the award commemorates individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the society and the field of phycology.
The award holds significant personal importance for Holen. “It’s always nice to be recognized for one’s contributions,” he said. “Many of the previous award winners were colleagues and friends of mine, and it was humbling to be included among them. I was extremely honored.”
Holen's involvement with the Northeast Algal Society spans several years, with his role evolving from attendee to active participant.
“I work with freshwater algae and was interested in meeting like-minded people. Initially, I attended the yearly meetings and would give talks or posters on my research,” he said, reflecting on his journey in the society. “They were always looking for volunteers to be on the executive committee and to co-convene future meetings, and I decided I wanted to give back to the society by getting involved.”
His nomination and eventual win were attributed to various contributions and initiatives within the society.
“I first volunteered to co-convene the 2016 NEAS meeting in Westfield, Massachusetts. Later, I was nominated to be chair of the nominations committee, for which I was elected. I held that position for four years,” Holen said. “I assisted in organizing the NEAS meetings in 2022 and 2023. Also, I always volunteer to be a judge for the undergraduate and graduate oral or poster sessions.”
Looking ahead, Holen said he envisions continued involvement with the society.
“If asked, I would be willing to run for other offices in the future. I also have mentored a few younger colleagues in running for an office in the society and I will continue that venture. Perhaps, I will co-convene a meeting that will be held locally.”
Aligning his work within the society with the mission and vision of Penn State Scranton, Holen emphasized the importance of personal commitment and involvement.
"It instilled in me the importance of getting involved in an organization beyond just being a member and attending meetings," he said. "There is a time commitment, but the rewards outweigh the sacrifice. I hope I can instill that feeling of personal commitment to students whether it be for clubs or committees."
It instilled in me the importance of getting involved in an organization beyond just being a member and attending meetings. There is a time commitment, but the rewards outweigh the sacrifice. I hope I can instill that feeling of personal commitment to students whether it be for clubs or committees.—Dale Holen , associate professor of biology
Holen offered advice to students and aspiring researchers interested in similar endeavors within the field of algae research and conservation.
“Know what’s happening,” he advised. “Take the initiative and join environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club or local organizations such as the Countryside Conservancy. Become involved with (or organize) local stream monitoring groups in cooperation with local colleges and universities. Much can be done as citizen scientists.”
