Background
Beeton, Alfred Merle was born on August 15, 1927 in Denver, Colorado, United States. Son of Charles Frederick and Edna F. (Smith) Beeton.
biologist director educator environmentalist lab administrator
Beeton, Alfred Merle was born on August 15, 1927 in Denver, Colorado, United States. Son of Charles Frederick and Edna F. (Smith) Beeton.
Bachelor of Science, University Michigan, 1952. Master of Science, University Michigan, 1954. Doctor of Philosophy, University Michigan, 1958.
Doctor of Science (honorary), University Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1996.
Fishery biologist United States Bureau Commercial Fisheries, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1957—1965, chief environmental research, 1960—1965. Professor zoology University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1966—1976, assistant director Center for Great Lakes Studies, 1966—1969, associate director Center for Great Lakes Studies, 1969—1973. Associate dean University Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Graduate School), 1973—1976.
Director Great Lakes and Marine Waters Center, Michigan Sea Grant. Professor engineering and natural resources University Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1976—1986. Director Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department Commerce, 1986—1996, emeritus, since 2002, acting chief scientist National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Washington, 1996—1997, senior science advisor, 1998—2002.
Instructor biology Wayne State University, 1956—1957, lecturer biology, 1957—1961. Lecturer civil engineering University Michigan, 1961—1965. United States chairman Science Advisory Board International Joint Commission, 1986—1991.
Member Michigan Toxic Substance Control Commission, 1987—1989. Member research advisory council Wisconsin Department Natural Resources. Member water quality criteria committee National Academy of Sciences.
Consultant United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1967—1973, Metropolitan Sanitary District Chicago, 1968—1976, Environmental Protection Agency, 1973—1983. Adviser on projects in Ghana, Laos and Yugoslavia Smithsonian Institution, 1972—1982. Adviser World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization, Venezuela, 1978.
Member environmental program committee National Research Council, 1976—1982, international environmental program committee, 1977—1982, member environmental studies board. Adjunct visiting professor Oreg.State University, 1982. Member Council Great Lakes Research Managers, 1995—1997.
Chairman science advisory board National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 1998—2002. Member Ocean Research Advisory Panel/National Oceanographic Partnership Program, 2000—2002. Adjunct professor School Public Health University Michigan, since 1999.
Board directors Ecology Center, since 2006, president, since 2010.
Member of Great Lakes Observing Systems (board directors 2006-2009), Michigan Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, International Association Great Lakes Research, American Society Limnology and Oceanography (treasurer 1962-1981), International Association Theoretical and Applied Limnology (national representative for United States 1976-1995), Detroit Audubon Society (board directors 2002-2004), Michigan Sierra Club (executive committee since 2006).
Married Mary Eileen Wilcox, July 20, 1945. Children— Maureen Ann, Heather Ann, Celeste Nadine. Married Ruth Elizabeth Holland, June 4, 1966.
Children— Jonathan Eugene, Daniel Paul.