Scott Springer, a Research Scientist at Earth and Space Research (ESR), is retiring after over a decade with ESR. Everyone at ESR, and our external Directors, thank Scott for his critical roles in both science and management. Scott’s scientific interests at ESR focused on polar oceanography, where he made important contributions to development of numerical ocean models that included sea ice and ice shelves. These models advanced our understanding of ice-ocean interactions over a range of time and space scales, from the critical roles of ocean tides in the polar cryosphere to explanations for long-term changes in paleo ice shelves over hundreds to thousands of years. Scott also served as a mentor to graduate students and postdocs at other institutions including Scripps, the University of Washington, RSMAS and Old Dominion.
In his management role of Corporate Secretary, Scott has been instrumental in cultivating and institutionalizing a productive and equitable workplace that is managed in accordance with labor laws in the different states where ESR has employees, and with ESR’s philosophy of providing a satisfying environment for employees with different research and personal needs. This was done under difficult circumstances including changes in in-house management staffing and the pandemic. His legacy in this management role will serve ESR well for many years to come.
Above all, Scott has been a wonderful colleague to work with, bringing his deep knowledge of both science and management to our conversations. We will miss these professional opportunities to talk with him, but hope we can keep in touch in his retirement.
Congratulations, Scott!
“It is evident that the (ice) pressure stands in connection with … the tidal wave. The pressure has happened in the morning … and afternoon, and in between we have always lain part of the time in open water.” (10/13/1893; Northern Laptev Sea)