News Articles

Andrews University Professor of Biology Receives Grant from the National Geographic Society

April 13, 2022 | Berrien Springs, Mich. | Jeff Boyd

Caption: Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske. Photo credit: Darren Heslop — *Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Andrews University professor, has been awarded a grant from the National Geographic Society to study new detection techniques for Amazonian manatees. Photo by Darren Heslop*

Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, professor of biology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, has been awarded a grant from the National Geographic Society to study new detection techniques for Amazonian manatees in the Amazon Basin of Brazil as a 2022 National Geographic Explorer.

Amazonian manatees are one of only three species of manatees and they are at risk of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss. However, conservation efforts are severely hampered by the lack of information about their population numbers due to the difficulty of surveying them in their natural habitat. As a result, scientists currently have no accurate way to estimate population sizes or monitor population trends. Gonzalez-Socoloske’s team will test two novel methods that may allow Amazonian manatees to be surveyed systematically for the first time. The first method uses high-frequency multibeam and side-scan sonar to peer through tannic and murky waters. The second method adapts a traditional hunting technique called a ‘pari.’ The novel images will allow, for the first time, a glimpse into the world of these gentle giants of the Amazon Basin, which will greatly help to raise awareness to their threats and conservation status.

Gonzalez-Socoloske earned his Ph.D. in ecology from Duke University prior to joining the faculty at Andrews University in 2013. Currently, he is professor of biology and curator of the Andrews University Natural History Museum. He is a member of the Society of Marine Mammalogy and the Society of Latin American Aquatic Mammals. In addition to the grant from the National Geographic Society, Gonzalez-Socoloske received a U.S. Fulbright Scholar award in 2021–2022 for his project working with manatees in the Brazilian Amazon Basin.

Founded in 1874, Andrews University is the flagship institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and offers more than 160 areas of study, including advanced degrees. Its main campus is in Berrien Springs, Michigan, but the University also provides instruction at colleges and universities in more than 25 countries around the world.

What’s in Your Hand? eHuddle Inspires Attendees Toward Creative Evangelism

From February 26 to 28, nearly 200 pastors and other leaders gathered at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, Florida, for the 2024 eHuddle, an annual evangelism and leadership think tank hosted by the North American Division’s (NAD) Ministerial Association. Thousands more tuned in via Facebook and YouTube.

Young Adult LIFE Tour Coming to Portland, Oregon

Many of our local churches love their young adults but are at a loss as to where to begin a thriving ministry with them. The North Pacific Union Young Adult LIFE Tour stop intends to bring insights and relevant, doable steps toward building a flourishing young adult ministry now. The tour’s next stop will be in Portland, Oregon, from April 19-20, 2024, at the Pleasant Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Mardian J. Blair, Former CEO of AdventHealth, Passes to His Rest

Mardian J. Blair, who led AdventHealth (formerly Adventist Health System) from 1984 until 2000, passed away on March 26 at the age of 92 in Apopka, Florida. Blair leaves behind a profound impact on the organization and in faith-based health care, particularly during a time of significant change in the health care industry.

It Is Written Conducts Alaska Evangelism and Mission Trip

This spring, It Is Written will conduct a mission trip and evangelistic campaign in Alaska, culminating in the Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity series. At the end of March, a mission team of 70 volunteers are serving in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, and Bethel, the largest rural community. The evangelistic series begins April 5.

Yamileth "Yami" Bazan Named Next Union College President

The Union College board of trustees has invited Yamileth Bazan to take the reins as Union’s 30th president. Her term will begin on July 1, 2024, soon after the official transition to the new name of Union Adventist University. “Yami,” as she prefers to be called, brings with her a passion for education and ministry combined with a long legacy of supporting and mentoring students, university leaders, and local church constituents.