Remembering Dr. Brian Howes
Roberta Carvalho, Science Director
Dr. Brian Howes will be greatly missed by so many at WRWA. Brian has worked with WRWA on multiple programs and projects to assess the health and water quality conditions in the Westport River.
He developed the original nutrient testing program for the Westport River in the 1990s. Brian’s laboratory, the Coastal Systems Program, at School for Marine Science at UMASS Dartmouth collaborated with WRWA on many projects to assess the health of the River. The basis of the entire nutrient management effort in Massachusetts if based on the foundational work Brian and his team led in the Massachusetts Estuaries Project. He was a mentor to the WRWA Science program and provided a wealth of knowledge to our efforts to protect and improve the Westport River.
Brian was a leader in studying the ecology of coastal marine ecosystems in the US, and his efforts found solutions to the problems caused by the impacts of pollution to these important habitats. His dedication and extensive research working towards restoring our estuaries and bays has made a profound impact on so many and his loss is truly devastating to the scientific community and beyond.
From his obituary:
Brian Louis Howes, age 70, passed away in his home in Sandwich, MA on December 13, 2022. His final days were spent with his wife, two daughters and two dogs, whom he loved most in the world.
Brian had the biggest heart, and his presence filled a room. His passion for helping the environment was contagious. He obtained his bachelors' from Rutgers University and went on to receive his masters and PhD from Boston University.
Doctor Brian Howes had a long and distinguished career in coastal and estuarine ecology, becoming a Chancellor Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology as well as the founding Director of Coastal Systems Group.
Although his work mostly focused on Massachusetts, his job took him to places across the world including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and even eight times to Antarctica. His research had a profound impact on the health of the environment and the well-being of surrounding communities.
A well-respected and highly accomplished scientist as well as an active participant in community outreach, he was beloved by many. His lab was like a second family, and he cared for them as such. Over the course of his career, Brian was a mentor to more than 30 graduate students and 120 interns. He was fully dedicated to each and every one as he cared greatly about their success.
Brian was a loving husband and a loving father. He went out of his way to show his family how much they were loved through actions large and small, such as providing reassurance during tough times or being an active listener. Although he is no longer with us, he lives on within us as an inspiration and a wise voice in the back of our minds. Brian is survived by his wife Karen; daughters Hannah and Sarah; brother Bill; extended family; friends; and colleagues.
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