Dr. Daniel B. Oerther, the John A. and Susan Mathes Chair of Environmental Engineering at Missouri S&T, has been recognized with a Meritorious Honor Award from the State Department. The citation states it is for Oerther’s “outstanding leadership and attention to detail in helping to launch a public-private initiative to promote food security and climate resilience via an innovative insurance product — the Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability faciliTy (COAST).”

According to the State Department, the Meritorious Honor Award is presented to groups or individuals in recognition of a special act or service, or sustained outstanding performance. Nominations initiated in Washington, D.C., are submitted to the appropriate area awards committee for final action and the award consists of a certificate signed by the assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank for domestic employees or by the chief of mission at the post level.

Oerther is currently serving in Washington, D.C., as a science and technology policy adviser in the Office of Secretary of State through the Jefferson Science Fellowship from the U.S. National Academies.