Tucson-based USGS scientist Julian Betancourt recently received a 2008 Presidential Rank Award. Betancourt, who conducts research in how climate variability affects ecosystems, is also an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona.
Recipients of the award are approved by the President.
USGS Director Mark Myers said, "The rigorous, cross-disciplinary investigations that Julio conducts - and encourages through his colleagues and students - is in the best tradition of the Survey's focus on applying science to understand the complexity of Earth systems. His work greatly benefits our organization and science in the broadest sense."