O'Neill has researched in the field of landscape ecology for more than 25 years and his work has appeared in more than 250 publications. He has made landmark contributions in developing and using math and computer models to mimic ecosystems and evaluate potential risks associated with actions on ecological systems. The models have been in use at ORNL since 1967.
The award was presented to O'Neill in honor of his body of work. He was referred to in the award ceremony as "a giant in the development and direction of American landscape ecology," and his publication record was cited as "legendary."
O'Neill received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Cathedral College in Huntington, N.Y., and a doctorate in ecology from the University of Illinois. He has been with the Environmental Sciences Division at ORNL since 1967.
He is a member of the Ecological Society of America, the American Society of Naturalists and the International Association of Landscape Ecology. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and received the 1994 Distinguished Statistical Ecologist Award from the International Association for Statistical Ecology.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, which also manages the Oak Ridge K-25 Site and the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant.