MBARI Adjunct Victoria Orphan receives “genius grant”

MBARI Adjunct Victoria Orphan, 2016 MacArthur Fellow. Photo courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

MBARI Adjunct Victoria Orphan was named a MacArthur Fellow today by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Orphan is the James Irvine Professor of Environmental Science and Geobiology at the California Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the molecular microbial ecology of anaerobic communities, and the development of new methods to study these communities in marine sediments and oil and gas seeps.

The MacArthur Fellowship—often called the “genius grants”—is awarded to talented individuals in a variety of fields who have shown exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits. Fellows receive a $625,000 stipend with no strings attached; they may use the money any way they see fit. Fellows are nominated anonymously by leaders in their respective fields and considered by an anonymous selection committee.

Orphan was a research associate at MBARI while she was earning her doctorate degree. She has been an adjunct scientist since 2009, and has been a regular collaborator with MBARI scientists and a participant in many MBARI expeditions.

Congratulations, Victoria!