Dr. Jun Wang, a University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) alumni and leading scientist at the University of Iowa, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Joanne Simpson Medal for his exceptional contributions to Earth and space science. This honor reflects Wang's significant achievements in remote sensing and atmospheric research. He will receive the medal at the AGU’s annual meeting and will be inducted into the AGU College of Fellows in early December 2024 in Washington, D.C.
The AGU Joanne Simpson Medal celebrates mid-career scientists who have made transformative scientific advances and demonstrated leadership in their fields. This medal highlights Wang’s groundbreaking work in the remote sensing of aerosols and fires, particularly through the development of advanced satellite algorithms.
Wang completed his Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science at UAH’s Department of Atmospheric and Earth Sciences (AES) in 2005. The program at UAH is very rigorous," Wang mentions. "But it equips you with everything you need to advance your career in research and leadership within the scientific community." During his time at UAH, he was also actively involved in numerous projects at the Earth System Science Center (ESSC), working closely with professors and researchers. This experience played a crucial role in shaping his career, providing him with the training and mentorship that laid the groundwork for his future work.
During his doctoral studies at UAH, Wang focused on the study of fire emissions and their impact on air quality and climate. This research was conducted in collaboration with faculty members from the AES Department and the ESSC, including Dr. Sundar Christopher, Professor and King-McDonald Eminent Scholar Chair in Atmospheric and Earth Science. These collaborations were instrumental in Wang's development as a scientist, providing him with opportunities to work on cutting-edge research and engage with a network of experts in atmospheric science. The ESSC provided a unique environment for interdisciplinary research, where working on various projects allowed him to gain invaluable experience in satellite data analysis and atmospheric modeling.
After completing his Ph.D., Wang furthered his research through a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, followed by faculty positions at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and, since 2016, at the University of Iowa. His continued connection with the UAH ESSC remains strong, as he frequently collaborates with former mentors and colleagues on research projects and proposals.
Wang's recent work includes pioneering satellite missions and developing algorithms for passive sensing of aerosol layer height and fire combustion efficiency. His efforts in mapping aerosol plume height using the NASA DSCOVR satellite have provided new insights into aerosol dynamics and their environmental impacts.
Dr. Jun Wang Photo Credit: University of Iowa
Wang's receipt of the Joanne Simpson Medal reflects his exceptional dedication and innovative contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences. As he continues his work at the University of Iowa, Wang's journey serves as an inspiration to future generations of researchers.
