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Yesterday, I was awarded the Wihuri International prize. (1/10) https://twitter.com/wihurinrahasto/status/1314839759525683200">https://twitter.com/wihurinra...
Thanks to all for your warm & generous felicitations. I have mixed emotions & find it hard to express what this means. But my singular thought since I originally found out, is why me? We tend to celebrate an individual, while it is clear that there is an ecosystem at work. (2/10)
So let me take this as an opportunity to say thanks to all the people who have been influential in my life. (3/10)
First, my mentors. There are many, but two deserve special mention. The late Prof. Michael Schlesinger, at the University of Illinois, who supervised my master’s research in climate science. He took a chance on me a long time ago and provided me that first stepping stone. (4/10)
Then, my PhD supervisor, good friend, and scientist role model, @globalecoguy, whose most important lesson was on how to focus on the big picture questions of the day. I am grateful for his continuing friendship and mentoring. (5/10)
Next, my students. It is because of them that my work has gone in new directions. I have the supreme privilege of being surrounded by bright young minds and wonderful young human beings. My students have taught me new skills, inspire me, and keep me from getting jaded. (6/10)
Then the numerous colleagues around the world with whom I had the privilege to learn from and work with. Across my entire career, I have “one” single authored paper – the rest were in collaboration with others, need I say more? (7/10)
And of course, my family, but I am not going to write publicly about them, they know what they mean to me, and I will celebrate separately with them. (8/10)
Finally, the Board members of @wihurinrahasto, who chose ‘climate change’ as the theme for the 2017 prize, and ‘sustainable global food systems’ as the theme this year. Thanks for shining a light on these important global issues. (9/10)
It’s Canadian Thanksgiving on Monday. A good time for me and all of us to reflect on all we are thankful for – both people and nature. (10/10)
