Howard Coker, 81, grew up in northern California and received his undergraduate degree from University of California, Davis and his doctorate from Oregon State University. He spent more than 40 years at USD as professor of chemistry, director of the office of research, and then as half-time director of compliance. He was also an associated faculty member of the USD Missouri River Institute.

Coker began doing research on the sedimentation of Missouri reservoirs in the late 1990s. He has been an advocate of creating sustainable reservoirs through sediment reduction and transport, and has published two papers on the topic. More recently, a third paper has been submitted for publication.

“I am quite honored,” Coker said of the award that reads: “Your perseverance to find ways to move sediment downstream, past Gavins Point Dam, provides inspiration to tackle the problems of accumulating silt in the Missouri River Reservoirs including Lewis and Clark Lake. Not only does your enthusiasm and knowledge spark commitment for others to continue in this effort, but it also exemplifies the power of ideas in bringing entities together to confront public problems which at times are ignored.”

Since MSAC’s founding in 2001, it has called a handful of people and one organization “friends of the river,” including conservationist Tony Dean, Pierre photographer/videographer Patrick Callahan, founding MSAC executive director Howard Paul, Missouri River Energy Services and Knox County Nebraska resident Rayder Swanson.

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