URI Graduate School of Oceanography professor Susanne Menden-Deuer has been elected as the next president of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO).

ASLO, an international aquatic science society founded in 1948, has been the leading professional organization for researchers and educators in the field of aquatic science for more than 60 years. With more than 3,800 members worldwide, the society has earned an outstanding reputation and is best known for its journals, interdisciplinary meetings, and special symposia.

“I am motivated to help lead ASLO for the long-term benefit of all members, current and future,” said Menden-Deuer. “ASLO has significant strengths as a professional society that supports members at all career stages.”

Menden-Deuer said she intends to build upon these strengths as well as address persistent challenges to engage a diverse membership. “ASLO has a responsibility to champion Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” she said. “While enhancing ASLO’s utility to BIPOC scientists would be my top priority for membership efforts, we need to be broadly inclusive. For example, I see aquatic sciences as providing unique career opportunities for differently abled scientists, as our field already utilizes plenty of assistive technology. Moreover, ASLO will benefit from broadening its appeal to members representing diverse career tracks.”

Menden-Deuer will begin a 2-year term as President-Elect on July 1, 2022, followed by two years as President (2024-2026) and then two additional years as Past-President (2026-2028).