Niskayuna High School has selected two alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025. They will be officially inducted on June 25 at the commencement ceremony at MVP Arena.
The Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Dr. Joanna Burger from the Class of 1959
- Seth Wyngowski from the Class of 2008
Dr. Joanna Burger is a member of Niskayuna High School’s very first graduating class of 1959. She went on to earn a degree from the State University at Albany, followed by a Masters in Vertebrate Zoology from Cornell and a Ph.D in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Minnesota. She has enjoyed a 50+ year career as a Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. Early in her career, recognizing the importance of long-term studies, she began her 50+ year study of migratory populations and behavior of birds in Barnegat and Delaware Bay, N.J., followed a few years later by beginning a 40+ year study of the behavior, ecology and vulnerability of the Pinesnake, an iconic species of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Joanna quickly gained international attention for her studies of nesting behavior and nest site selection in a variety of organisms. In recognition of her expertise in ecology, Joanna became a principal in the Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP), helping the U.S. Department of Energy make cleanup decisions at the former nuclear weapons sites around the country. She also became an expert in designing and interpreting studies of environmental toxicology and risk assessment and was a pioneer in endocrine disrupting chemistry, organizing an international conference in Japan in 2002. This led to being elected Fellow in the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry.
She received an honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Alaska for her work on risk assessment for indigenous populations exposed to toxic chemicals in fish. Awards include: the Rutgers Presidential Award for Outstanding Public Service, Distinguished Achievement Award (2008) Society of Risk Analysis; and Brewster Medal (2009) American Ornithologists Union.
Joanna has published two dozen books and hundreds of scientific papers. Her parrot study of Tiko, “The parrot who owns me,” has been translated into eight languages. She continues to teach behavioral biology to undergraduates, influencing new generations of future scientists.
Seth Wyngowski is a career member of the United States Foreign Service, the nation’s diplomatic corps. He joined the U.S. Department of State in 2011, served at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and has represented his country in Peru, the Republic of Korea and Estonia. U.S. diplomats receive a commission from the President and are confirmed by the U.S. Senate. They assist Americans overseas and cooperate with foreign governments and societies to protect U.S. national security and promote economic opportunities. Seth has served under three U.S. Presidents and regularly provides support for top U.S. officials and elected representatives in their diplomatic engagements. From 2014 to 2017, Seth was part of the team that worked to achieve the historic re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, a key White House initiative and a highlight of his career.
Seth earned two B.A. degrees from American University in Washington, D.C., and completed undergraduate coursework at the Catholic universities in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Latin American studies from Georgetown University. Seth has received the State Department’s Superior Honor Award twice, as well as two Sinclaire Awards for excellence in language study. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese, Korean and Estonian fluently. Seth has also served on the board of directors for a non-profit organization that promotes respect for human rights globally.
Seth would like to thank Michael Jones, his Niskayuna High School Spanish teacher, who was a major influence on his career path and professional success.
“It always amazes me to learn about the depth and breadth of influence our Niskayuna High School alumni have had in their respective fields,” said high school principal John Rickert. “It’s an honor to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate their achievements.”
Since 1983, and now with this year’s inductees, Niskayuna High School has honored 81 distinguished graduates who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The Hall of Fame display is located at the Main Entrance of Niskayuna High School.
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