For the past two years, the NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences has benefited from the knowledge and creativity of Rachel Sohmer [RS]. Rachel is completing a graduate degree from the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and aspires to continue work in science journalism. We at the Scout Project sincerely thank Rachel for her dedication and great work and wish her the very best as she scouts out her own path.

In a bittersweet moment, the leaving of one staff member means the arrival of another. Thus, the Scout Project would like to introduce Nathan Larson [NL] as the new NSDL Life Sciences Editor. A dedicated naturalist and environmental educator, Nathan is pursuing a graduate degree in Geography and is interested in how we interact with natural areas in our communities. We are sincerely excited to have Nathan on our team.

Also, please note that due to our annual two-week publication hiatus for the holidays, Volume 3, Number 1 of the NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences will not be published until January 9, 2004. Best wishes and happy New Year. [JPM]