Dean Hall Participates in World Ocean Assessment

Published: February 23, 2021 | Author: Kierstin Pitcher-Holloway | Read Time: 2 minutes

Dr. Frank Hall, dean of College of Sciences at SUUSouthern Utah University’s Dr. Frank Hall was recently recognized for his contributions in the preparation of the United Nation’s Second World Ocean Assessment (WOA). The World Ocean Assessment provides important knowledge about ocean affairs to inform governments and policy makers.

Dr. Hall was chosen to contribute as part of a pool of experts that provided invaluable knowledge to secure the sustainable use and conservation of the world’s oceans.

“The WOA informs world leaders on relevant issues regarding the goods and services delivered by the oceans,” said Dr. Hall. “From transportation to recreation to nutrition, the oceans are critical to the well-being of civil societies.”

The Regular Process relies on the input of experts to assess the state of the marine environment. Established after the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the process regularly reviews the environmental, economic and social aspects of the world’s oceans, both current and foreseeable. It is accountable to the United Nations General Assembly, and contributes to the strengthening of regular scientific assessment in order to enhance the scientific basis for creating policy.

With a Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography, Dr. Hall’s scholarship has focused on science, science education, and the intersections between science and society. Dr. Hall is also committed to improving diversity and inclusion of underrepresented communities within the STEM fields. He currently serves as the dean for SUU’s Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Sciences.

“I graduated from a regional university similar to SUU,” said Dr. Hall. “As an undergraduate, I could never have imagined one day working with scientists, educators, and policy makers from around the world. But, the education that I received as an undergraduate prepared me for life in ways that could not have happened elsewhere.”

As the dean of the College of Sciences, Dr. Hall oversees the Biology and Physical Science departments. The College of Science’s mission is to create a stimulating science learning environment for every student.


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