Museum Malacologist Named Natural Resources Scientist of the Year
March 09, 2026
The North Carolina Wildlife Federation has announced the winners of its 61st Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards and Dr. Arthur E. Bogan — research curator of mollusks for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences — was named Natural Resources Scientist of the Year. Honorees for 2026 include agency professionals, elected officials, volunteers and organizations committed to North Carolina’s wildlife, habitat and natural resources.
“Dr. Bogan is being honored for 50 years of research and conservation of freshwater mussels, a keystone species critical to North Carolina’s aquatic ecosystems. He has described 37 new species and four subspecies, with seven species, a subspecies, and a genus named in his honor.
“Dr. Bogan has published 233 peer-reviewed articles and 14 books, cited over 12,800 times, providing foundational knowledge for conservation efforts worldwide. He has served on 14 national and international committees, led 11 international symposia, and contributed to state and regional conservation plans. His work bridges meticulous science with practical conservation, ensuring freshwater mussels and their habitats are preserved.”
The award was announced Feb. 26 and the NCWF will honor the recipients at a banquet on Saturday, May 2. For a full list of honorees visit: ncwf.org/blog/governors-awards-61/
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