Graduation Year: 1955
Earned a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Contributed to the early research on plant and ecosystem ecology, especially causes of nitrification in disturbed forests, and an understanding of acid rain deposited through wind-blown cloud droplets.
Recognized internationally as an authority on biogeochemistry and the philosophy of ecology.
Pioneered the development of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and the use of remote sensing, essential tools for many kinds of operations, including tracing global change.
Authored over 130 peer-reviewed publications and three books.
Oak Lawn Community High School inducted Dr. William A. Reiners, class of 1955, into the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame on Monday, October 26, 2015, 7:00 p.m. Reiners served as the guest speaker at the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony that same evening. Both the AHOF Induction and NHS Ceremonies were open to the public.
Reiners earned his B.A. in 1959 from Knox College and his M.S. in 1962 from Rutgers University. Reiners earned his Ph.D. in 1964 from Rutgers University; he then went to University of Minnesota where he served as Assistant Professor of Botany. Reiners then served for 17 years on the faculty of the Dartmouth College, where he rose to Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences. Reiners then served as Head of the Botany Department at the University of Wyoming for six years after which he completed his career as Professor where he has now retired as Professor Emeritus.
Reiners’ academic contributions, particularly his role in the evolution of global change science, are too numerous to list. Bill’s area of expertise is plant and ecosystem ecology and his early research contributed to the understanding of acid rain. He is internationally recognized as an authority on the effects of global climate change on mountain, tundra, and tropical ecosystems. He has been a pioneer in the development of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and the use of remote sensing, essential tools for many kinds of operations, including tracing global change. His scientific output has been prodigious, with 129 peer-reviewed publications and three books.
Dr. Reiners is the school’s 22nd Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. The school annually reviews nomination and selects candidates on the criteria of having a high level of achievement in his/her career field, made significant contributions to his/her career field at the state, national, and/ or international level, and has demonstrated leadership, character, and service in a variety of venues from his/her field of expertise to community, state, and national initiatives.