Recent news and events at ABR.
After more than 40 years, Bob Ritchie has decided to retire from ABR and train his binoculars on new horizons. Bob established himself as a biologist and small-business owner in Alaska in the mid-1970s. His interests focused on conservation of endangered birds, especially Peregrine Falcons. Bob received his BS (Wildlife Biology) from UC Davis in 1972, and his MS (Natural Resource Management) from UAF in 1976. That same year, Bob cofounded what was then known as Alaska Biological Research with partner Jim Curatolo. He became the sole owner in 1986. Today, ABR, Inc.—Environmental Research & Services is primarily an employee-owned company. We currently have 35 scientists and staff, the majority of whom are also shareholders, in Fairbanks and Anchorage.
For our next installment of the Field Guide to ABR, we would like to introduce you to Sue Ives. Sue is a Senior Scientist who works out of our Anchorage office.
In the 1990s, ABR began donating to Project Salvador through a Scholarship Program supporting disadvantaged, rural students in El Salvador. In the 25 years of our involvement, Project Salvador has helped provide tuition, bus fares, and school supplies for numerous students interested in completing high school and college. Importantly, these students want to stay in-country and to date about 50% of 65 college graduates have found work in their profession and all of them have remained in El Salvador.
We miss Erin's vitality, generosity, and talent every day. We were so fortunate to have walked with her in this world. Please consider honoring her memory and join us in donating to the Erin K. Johnson Memorial Fund.
The ABR support staff ensure that our field operations, and our every day operations, are as efficient as possible, so our science staff can focus on science. This month we would like to introduce you to Tony LaCortiglia, a vital member of the ABR support team.