Benjamin Van Mooy
The Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography presents the G. Evelyn Hutchinson Award each year to a scientist who has made considerable contributions to knowledge in limnology or oceanography, and whose future work promises a continued legacy of scientific excellence. The 2022 Hutchinson Award will be presented to Dr. Benjamin Van Mooy for fundamental insights into phosphorus and lipid cycling in marine ecosystems, through innovative experimental and observational studies employing novel analytical techniques. Van Mooy will receive his award at the 2022 Ocean Sciences Meeting in February.
Dr. Benjamin Van Mooy is a Senior Scientist with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, which he currently chairs. His work has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of biogeochemical cycling in the epi- and mesopelagic ocean. Van Mooy has published >90 papers and holds numerous patents in the areas of phosphorus utilization in microbial processes, microbial respiration and particle degradation, and methodological approaches in lipidomics. Dr. Van Mooy’s research has helped usher in new directions for the field of phosphorus biogeochemical cycling, including the study of phosphorus redox chemistry and cellular biochemical phosphorus allocation.
In addition to his many scientific discoveries, Dr. Van Mooy has been a leader in his service to the marine science community. He served as associate editor for several journals, including Limnology and Oceanography. In addition, his committee work demonstrates his dedication to ensuring safety at sea and in the laboratory. He has advised numerous postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate students. He taught or co-taught MIT/WHOI Joint Program’s Marine Chemistry course for 15 years, imparting foundational knowledge of the ocean to a generation of MIT/WHOI Joint Program graduates. His colleagues often note his collaborative spirit throughout his career and his unique ability bringing together disparate groups together at sea during his 15 research cruises as Chief Scientist.
ASLO President, Roxane Maranger says, “In true spirit of Hutchinson’s own pioneering work in biogeochemistry, Dr. Van Mooy’s research has made great strides in our knowledge of biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus and carbon in the ocean. Ben’s impressive scientific contributions both to discovery and innovative method development are equally matched by his camaraderie and deep commitment to mentorship, all of which promise a continued career of distinction and service.”