Print Journalism:
TOM MEERSMAN, environment and natural resources reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, for "Invaded Waters," which appeared in the Star Tribune from June 13 to 15, 2004. The judges noted that "The story treats a complex subject but was nevertheless outstanding in readability, accessibility, and organization, and it made clear points about how changes in the environment affect habitat. It was balanced -- environmental writing tends to be one-sided, but in this article the author provided context. The whole package was beautifully designed: an outstanding story complemented with excellent photography."

Tom Meersman been reporting on environmental and natural resource issues in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest for the past 25 years. He has worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper since 1993, and before that as a reporter and producer for Minnesota Public Radio. Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, the headwaters of the Mississippi, and the western edge of the Great Lakes, so his coverage often focuses on water quality. Many of Meersman's stories involve new science about emerging issues, especially in natural resource management and in public health.

Broadcast Journalism:
DIANE TOOMEY, for "A Little Known Planet," which was broadcast on NPR's Living on Earth on December 12, 2003. The judges said that the story, which examines current attempts to discover and catalogue all the living organisms of the earth, "used clear and simple language for a lay audience to demonstrate how complex the natural world is. It used natural sounds effectively, and did not rely solely on people talking, allowing the audience to visualize scenes. An elegant and eloquent program."

Diane Toomey has been working in public radio for thirteen years as a reporter, producer and editor. Most recently, she produced a pilot for a new science show for Ira Flatow, ho
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Contact: Donna Royston
droyston@aibs.org
202-628-1500
American Institute of Biological Sciences
12-Apr-2005