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| UAHuntsville alumnus among nation's top 100 young scientists UAHuntsville alumnus Jianglong Zhang has been named one of the top 100 young scientists in the United States by President Barack Obama.
Zhang, an assistant professor in the Atmospheric Science Department at the University of North Dakota, earned a master's degree in atmospheric science in 2000 and both an M.S. in computer science and a doctorate in atmospheric science from UAHuntsville in 2004.
"I'm thrilled and at the same time feel humbled by the award," Zhang said. "I will try to do my best to keep working on science research and educating future young scientists."
Zhang will receive his award at a White House ceremony in the fall along with the other 99 nominees.
"We are extremely proud of Dr. Zhang's achievements, and the recognition and acclaim that he brings to our university and our graduates," said UAHuntsville President Dave Williams. "He is the embodiment of a new generation of researchers and scientists, and provides promise for the future of our nation."
Zhang's main field of research is aerosols, which are particles suspended in the atmosphere. They include a wide range of materials including dust, sea salt and pollutants from the burning of fossil fuels. They may have a big impact on weather and climate, but no one understands exactly how.
Aerosols are challenging because they have many different characteristics and effects, according to Zhang. Some aerosols hang in the air for months and years, some for hours. Some form dense clouds, some are dispersed. Most reflect solar energy, cooling the planet, but some absorb energy, which might lead to warming.
They can affect the way clouds form and how much rain or snow falls, he said, which can be important for agriculture.
Because it is so little understood, Zhang said, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change considers aerosol research one of the most important areas of climate research.
The young scientist awards are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Winning scientists and engineers receive up to a five-year research grant to further their study in support of critical government missions.
The White House described the award as the highest honor the government can bestow on young professionals starting their research careers.
"These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "With their talent, creativity, and dedication, I am confident that they will lead their fields in new breakthroughs and discoveries, and help us use science and technology to lift up our nation and our world."
Zhang was nominated for the award by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Nine federal departments and agencies nominate meritorious young scientists and engineers whose early accomplishments show the greatest promise for strengthening America's leadership in science and technology while contributing to the awarding agencies' missions.
Zhang joined UND's faculty in 2007 after working as a visiting scientist at a U.S. Navy research lab in Monterey, California for three years. His research interests include satellite remote sensing, radiation and data assimilation. Dr. Zhang's advisor at UAHuntsville was Dr. Sundar Christopher.
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