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Dr. Mary Beth Adams, research soil scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Northern Research Station in Parsons, was recently named a Fellow in the Soil Science Society of America.

Adams received this recognition, the highest honor that the Soil Science Society of America bestows, on Nov. 4 at the society's annual meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa. Members of the society nominate worthy colleagues based on their professional achievements and meritorious service. Only 0.3 percent of the society's active and emeritus members may be elected Fellow.

Adams earned bachelor of science and master of science degrees in forestry from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in forestry and soil science from North Carolina State University.

Adams' research, much of it on the Fernow Experimental Forest where she has worked since 1990, focuses on sustaining the productivity and health of forests and forest soils. She studies air pollution effects on forests, nutrient cycling and effects of forest management on soils and water.

Adams has authored or co-authored 44 refereed journal articles, numerous technical papers and edited three books. She has been an associate editor for Journal of Environmental Quality, Forest Science and Tree Physiology.

Adams is active within the Soil Science Society of America, the Society of American Foresters and the West Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists. She is an adjunct faculty member at West Virginia University, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources.