[Lista-Algas] Fwd: A Great Loss and a Great Legacy

[Enrique Ascencio]

*From:* McRae, Gil <Gil.McRae at MyFWC.com>
*Sent:* Monday, June 12, 2023 11:36 AM
*To:* _fwc all users <_fwcallusers at myfwc.com>
*Subject:* A Great Loss and a Great Legacy



It is with deep and profound sadness that I report the passing of former
Florida Marine Research Institute Director and Senior Research Scientist
Dr. Karen Steidinger.  Karen passed away peacefully over the weekend
comforted by her partner of more than 30 years, former FWC Research
Scientist Dr. Jan Landsberg.



For those of us that knew and worked with Karen, her passing leaves a void
that cannot be filled but we can take a small measure of solace in
celebrating her tremendous legacy.



When Karen began her career in the early 1960’s the playing field was far
from level for women scientists, in fact, it was unclear if there was a
playing field at all.  Through her hard work, perseverance, and innate
ability to adapt to the needs of the day, Karen not only leveled the
playing field but changed the rules of the game.  She was a pioneer in the
field of harmful algal bloom research, particularly related to the Florida
red tide (*Karenia brevis*) which was named in her honor in 2001.  She was
an inspiration and mentor to countless colleagues, especially women, over
her more than 60-year career and her evolution from a groundbreaking woman
scientist to a world class researcher who happened to be a woman speaks
volumes about her legacy.



Her enthusiasm and humor were infectious and her collaborative approach to
science and rigorous attention to detail formed a solid foundation on which
we continue to build to this day.  Karen helped establish the first state
sponsored marine laboratory in Florida, setting the stage for the latter
incorporation of research as a core function of FWC in the Florida
Constitution and providing an example for public service science we strive
to achieve in our work at the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.



I see and feel Karen all around me.  I have the honor of occupy an office
she used to work in within the FWRI St. Petersburg Headquarters that she
made a reality.  I see her in every scientific program where a focus on
relevant, objective, high quality science allows us to serve the public in
a manner that honors her legacy.  Most of all, I see and feel Karen in the
eyes and hearts of a large group of fantastic women scientists I have the
great privilege of working with on a daily basis.  Free from the tedious
dissipation of energy that comes from just proving that you belong, these
scientists continue to change the rules of the game.



Please take a quiet moment today to appreciate Karen’s legacy and
voluminous contributions to science and society.  She will be dearly
missed, but her legacy lives on.



We will share more information on memorials and events in Karen’s honor as
we get them.





Gil McRae, Director

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Office:  727-896-8626

Cell:  727-423-3181



-- 
"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find
themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."
Eric Hoffer


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