USC President Folt honored with UC Davis alumni Award of Distinction
Folt earned her doctorate at UC Davis and credits the institution for inspiring her to drive change for the public good.
The University of California, Davis honored USC President Carol L. Folt with its alumni Award of Distinction on Oct. 4. Folt earned her doctorate at UC Davis, an institution she credits for setting her course to drive change for the public good.
Folt was one of four leading alumni honored at the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ annual College Celebration. The Award of Distinction is “the highest recognition presented by the college to individuals whose contributions and achievements enrich the image and reputation of the college and enhance its ability to provide public service,” according to the university’s website.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology and a master’s in biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Folt enrolled at UC Davis. She studied the ecology of freshwater ecosystems, and her thesis examined predator-prey dynamics in Lake Tahoe. Her adviser at UC Davis, Charles Goldman, praised her as one of the top graduate students he mentored during his career. She went on to study plankton and other aquatic life, and later made her name through research on climate change, salmon conservation and mercury and arsenic in water.
UC Davis’ College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is considered one of the nation’s top programs in ecology and environmental sciences.
