Lamont-Doherty scientist dies in Thruway crash in Hillsdale Oregon

A Lamont-Doherty Earth Observtory scientist was killed Wednesday in a Thruway crash in Orange County.Mark Becker, 53, of Hillsdale, N.J., was killed in the multivehicle accident that occured about 10:45 a.m. in the northbound lanes about four miles north of the toll barrier at Exit 16 in Woodbury. Six other people suffered injuries, none life-threatening, police said.

Becker was a Columbia University scientist and part of a program that uses data and information technology to study how human activities impact the environment. The program, known as the Center for International Earth Science Information Network, is based at the university’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades.

He focused on using mapping technologies for public health programs and planning. His colleague, Marc Levy, the center’s deputy director, described Becker as someone who was a technical expert but also a good teacher.“We had to ration him out because everybody wanted him to teach their classes,” Levy said.

In addition to his work at Lamont, Becker was active in New Jersey environmental groups. He was co-director of the Bergen Save the Watershed Action Network and part of the Meadowlands Conservation Board of Trustees.

One of the vehicles involved in the crash was a Thruway plow truck, the state Thruway Authority said.Police said further details about accident will be released when their investigation has been completed.