Sophomore Christopher Ecker has been chosen from 1,600 nationwide nominations to receive all-USA academic honors by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society of two-year colleges.

By being named to the all-USA academic second team, Ecker is one of only a few JCC students who has achieved that level in the nomination process. The all-USA program is sponsored annually by USA TODAY, PTK, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The All-USA Academic Team program recognizes 60 outstanding two-year college students. First, second, and third teams, each consisting of 20 members, are selected. Selection is based on nominations submitted by community college presidents or CEOs, who receive nomination materials in the fall. To be eligible, a student must post a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average and be eligible to graduate with an associate degree.
"The JCC family is incredibly proud of Christopher and his well-deserved recognition," said JCC President Gregory T. DeCinque. "After attending his research presentation, it became clear to me that he has a bright future ahead of him, and I'm pleased that he chose JCC to create the foundation for his higher education experience."

In a college-wide presentation last fall, Ecker outlined the research he conducted for the Chautauqua Lake Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity Assessment Project during summer 2007. The project, designed by JCC associate professor of biology Jan Bowman, resulted in Ecker's procurement, identification, and documentation of 95 samples from 45 random sites in and around the lake.

Ecker's research, which involved over 250 hours of microscopy and data recording, provides vital details about organisms that play important roles in ecosystems. The project, done in conjunction with research by the Cornell University Research Ponds Facility to investigate the impact of invasive plant growth on Chautauqua Lake, is expected to be published in a scientific journal.

"The diversity of macroinvertebrates tells a story," Ecker wrote in his all-USA academic team nomination essay. "These creatures are highly prolific, and the diversity found in a given area can tell an observer, quickly and effectively, about the water quality." He also outlined the correlation between ecology and economics, noting that an understanding of the health of the lake's ecosystem and proper management of the lake can impact an economy based on tourism.

"Christopher's accomplishments send a clear message about the unlimited potential JCC offers students," Dr. DeCinque added. "JCC has a strong tradition of providing challenging educational experiences to the area's top scholars."

Although Ecker admits JCC was not his first college choice (he had been accepted into a biological sciences program at a four-year university but declined after reading the first semester tuition and fees bill), he quickly found the silver lining in a JCC education.

"JCC, in my mind, carried a reputation of not being challenging or mentally stimulating," Ecker noted. "I found both of those assumptions to be false, and my first year of classes was challenging. Moreover, all of the professors I had made their classes mentally stimulating."

"I decided to engage Chris in the (macroinvertebrate diversity study)," said Ms. Bowman, emphasizing that a similar study had last been done on Chautauqua Lake 35 years ago. "Chris and I spent many afternoons on the lake taking sediment and plant samples by boat, as well as shoreline samples by walking out from shore.

"Mentoring Chris and watching him grow as a student and researcher has been an amazing experience for me," Ms. Bowman added. "The depth of his inquiry relative to this project is uncharacteristic for a sophomore in college, and I'm very pleased to see him recognized for his excellence."

Ecker, the son of Robert and Mary Beth Ecker of Ashville and a 2006 Chautauqua Lake Central School graduate, hopes to enroll in the biological sciences program at Cornell University's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences this fall. He plans to earn a doctorate in molecular biology and concentrate his career on researching special pathogens.

Ecker, who was also named to the first team of the All-New York Academic Team for Community Colleges, is among those students enrolled in community, technical and junior colleges who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or better and have a history of outstanding community service. The PTK state academic team awards are sponsored by the New York Community College Trustees, the Association of Presidents of Public Community Colleges, and the Faculty Council of Community Colleges.