Olszewski Awarded Schuchert Medal

Thomas Olszewski, an associate professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, has been awarded the 2009 Schuchert Medal by the Paleontological Society. The award is given annually to a person under the age of 40 whose work reflects excellence and promise in the science of paleontology.

Olszewski came to Texas A&M in 2003 after working for two years as a visiting scientist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. He received his B.A. in Geology from Franklin and Marshall College, and went on to earn his M.S., also in Geology, from Kansas State University, and Ph.D. in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University.

DiMarco, Raymond Honored with AFS College Level Teaching Award

Steve DiMarco, an associate professor in the Department of Oceanography, and Anne Raymond, a professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, have been awarded the 2009 Association of Former Students College Level Teaching Award.

DiMarco has been with Texas A&M for 17 years, beginning as a post doc research associate at Texas A&M University’s Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG), and then as an assistant research scientist in the Department of Oceanography. He was promoted to associate research scientist in 2000, and his current position in 2004.

Raymond has been a member of the Department of Geology & Geophysics for 27 years. In nominating her for the award, one of her colleagues described Raymond as an “outstanding communicator and gifted teacher who is clearly dedicated to her chosen profession.”

Bender Honored with Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Research Scientists

Les Bender, an associate research scientist for the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG), has been awarded the Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Research Scientists. Bender has served in his position for 9 years, and his been with Texas A&M for a total of 12 years. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemical engineering, and received his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of Delaware. He currently serves as Co-PI for the Texas Automated Buoy System, a signature program for GERG.

Zhan Honored with Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Teaching

Hongbin Zhan, a professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, has been awarded the Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Teaching. He joined the department as an assistant professor in 1996, was promoted to associate professor in 2002, and to professor in 2007. Zhan earned his B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China, and his M.S., and Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Campbell Honored With Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Research

Lisa Campbell, a professor in the Department of Oceanography, has been awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Research. Campbell came to the College of Geosciences in 1996 as an associate professor. She was promoted to full professor in 2006. In Campbell’s time with the Department of Oceanography, she has worked extensively in the field of ocean observing systems.

Russell Honored with Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Administrative Staff

Roxanna Russell, senior academic advisor for the College of Geosciences, has been awarded the Administrative Staff Award by Dean Kate Miller. Russell has served in her position for three years under two associate deans for academics, current dean Sarah Bednarz, and former dean Vatche Tchakerian. She has been with Texas A&M for 9 years.

Rumford, Young, Honored with Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Technical Staff

Jennifer Rumford, Web Developer for the College of Geosciences, and Ryan Young, microcomputer specialist for the Department of Geology & Geophysics, have been awarded the Technical Staff Award by Dean Kate Miller.

Since beginning her time at the College of Geosciences 3 years ago, Rumford has redesigned and updated the websites of each of the College’s departments and programs. Rumford has been with Texas A&M University for 20 years, serving 17 of those at the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP).

Young has been with Texas A&M and the College of Geosciences for three years. In nominating him, it was written that Young “has an exceptional work ethic, helpful and courteous attitude and is dedicated to the success of the faculty, staff and students within the departments.”

Wade Wins NSF CAREER Award

Dr. Bridget Wade, assistant professor of Geology & Geophysics in the College of Geosciences, has won a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, one of the Foundation’s most prestigious awards. It recognizes junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent teaching, and the integration of education and research.

Wade joined the faculty in the Department of Geology & Geophysics in 2007. As a paleontologist, she plans to use her CAREER award to study the implications for taxonomy, paleobiology, and tropical marine temperatures in Oligocene planktonic foraminifera.

Jochens Presented Offshore Leadership Award from MMS

Ann E. Jochens, a research scientist in the Department of Oceanography, won the Offshore Leadership Award from the Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior. This award recognizes individuals for performing an act or service that significantly enhances MMS's ability to meet offshore energy and minerals management mission objectives. According to MMS, Jochens was nominated for this award in recognition of her proactive approach in bringing several federal agencies together to establish information about the biology and behavior of whales. Jochens was the program manager and principal investigator for a five-year Sperm Whale Seismic Study (SWSS).

Sager Honored with Distinguished Achievement Award for Research

Dr. William Sager, professor in the Department of Oceanography and holder of the Jane and R. Ken Williams ’45 Endowed Chair in Ocean Drilling, has been honored by the University with a 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award for Research. The award recognizes and rewards individuals whose research efforts have been particularly significant and outstanding. Sager was nominated by Oceanography Professor William Bryant, who wrote a nomination letter and collected letters of endorsement from Sager’s colleagues around the country. The Distinguished Achievement Awards are given annually by the University and funded by the Association of Former Students. They were first presented in 1955, and have been awarded to nearly 1,000 faculty and staff to date. As a recipient of the award, Dr. Sager will receive $4,000, an engraved watch, and a commemorative plaque. The awards ceremony will be held on April 28th at 1:30p.m. in Rudder Theatre.

Mangieri Wins the Nystrom Award from AAG

Geography Assistant Professor Tina Mangieri won the J. Warren Nystrom Award, an annual prize for a paper presented at the meeting based upon a recent dissertation in geography, at the 2009 Association of American Geographers Conference. As winner of the Nystrom Award, Mangieri’s paper will be published in The Professional Geographer and she is eligible for a cash award. This award was established by former AAG Executive Director J. Warren Nystrom, with eligibility for the competition restricted to AAG members who have received a Ph.D. degree since April 1, 2007. Mangieri joined Texas A&M in 2007 after completing her Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She is a cultural, economic and feminist geographer interested in globalization, development, and conceptualizations of identities.

Lafon Wins the Denali Award from AAG

Geography Associate Professor Charles Lafon won the Denali Award from the Mountain Geography Specialty Group which recognizes recent significant contributions to mountain geography at the 2009 Association of American Geographers Conference. Lafon’s Denali Recent Accomplishment Award was presented for his research on mountain environments. The Mountain Geography Specialty Group (MGSG) awards committee stated that Lafon’s research in the Appalachian Mountains epitomizes the spirit and mission of the MGSG. “Your work on advancing the knowledge of the fire history of the southern Appalachian Mountains and understanding the importance of both the southern pine beetle and the fire history in this region exemplifies the nature of the Denali Award.”

Reese to Attend Nobel Laureates Meeting

Brandi Kiel Reese, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University, has been accepted as a participant in the 59th Meeting of the Nobel Laureates to be held in Lindau, Germany, June 28 to July 4, 2009. The annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings provide a globally recognized forum for the transfer of knowledge between generations of scientists. Reese’s sponsor, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), and advisors, Oceanography Assistant Professor Heath Mills and Oceanography Professor John Morse, guided her in her research and supported her on the way to receiving this invitation. During the meeting, Reese will not only share ideas and research with a diverse group of young scientists from universities across the globe, but will interact with Nobel Laureates through panel discussions, seminars and social programs. These lectures will be aimed toward the development and application of scientific topics for the future.

Woodard Awarded $28,000 Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship

Stella Woodard, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University, has been awarded a prestigious Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship for 2009-2010. Only five Schlanger Fellowships are awarded each year nationwide. The Schlanger Fellowship Program offers highly competitive, merit-based awards for outstanding graduate students to conduct research related to the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) which is the largest geosciences research program supported by the National Science Foundation and the largest single research program at Texas A&M University. The $28,000 per year award is used for stipend, tuition, benefits, research costs, and travel.

Sui Awarded 2009 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship

Dr. Daniel Sui, professor of Geography and holder of the Reta A Haynes endowed chair in the College of Geosciences, has been awarded a 2009 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. Sui is the first geographer at Texas A&M University to receive this prestigious fellowship. Sui plans to spend his fellowship writing a book on geosurveillance. Guggenheim Fellowships are mid-career awards presented to educators and artists who have demonstrated outstanding capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts.

Morse And Orville Elected Fellows Of American Geophysical Union

Two professors in the College of Geosciences, Dr. John Morse (bottom right), professor of Oceanography and Dr. Richard Orville (top right), professor of Atmospheric Sciences, have been elected Fellows of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). ‘Fellow’ is a distinguished title given annually to only one in every thousand AGU members. It is reserved for members who have “attained acknowledged eminence in the geophysical sciences.” Both Orville and Morse have gained acclaim for their work since joining Texas A&M in 1991 and 1981, respectively. Orville has been honored for his work developing a comprehensive program on the meteorological characteristics of lighting, and Morse for his research associated with the problem of rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its impact on carbonates in the ocean. The list of awards won and publications authored by each of the men over their careers is long and diverse.

Liu Wins ASPRS President’s Award for Practical Papers

Dr. Hongxing Liu, associate professor in the Department of Geography at Texas A&M University, was awarded the 2009 John I. Davidson President's Award for Practical Papers by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). The Davidson Award was established in 1979 to encourage and commend individuals who publish papers of practical or applied value in photogrammetric engineering & remote sensing. Liu’s paper titled "Incorporation of Flow Stripes as Constraints for Calibrating Ice Surface Velocity Measurements from Interferometric SAR Data" was published in the December 2008 issue of the society’s journal with co-authors Jaeyhung Yu, Zhiyuan Zhao, and Kenneth C. Jezek.

Zhang Presented Bush Excellence Award for International Research

Dr. Renyi Zhang, professor in the Departments of Atmospheric Sciences and Chemistry and director of the Center for Atmospheric Chemistry and Environment, has received the 2009 Bush Excellence Award for Faculty in International Research. This award is presented to one faculty member each year by the Texas A&M University Office of International Programs in recognition of the international preeminence that faculty member’s work has achieved. Zhang's research covers a wide variety of areas in atmospheric chemistry, including investigating the impacts of global air pollution on human health, ecosystems, and climate. International scholars regularly visit Zhang's laboratory at Texas A&M to collaborate on research. He was recently appointed an adjunct professor at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology and was awarded an honorary professorship with Fudan University in China. In 2007, he was presented the Outstanding International Collaboration Researcher Award by the China National Science Foundation. Zhang’s international research and collaborations have produced numerous publications in high-impact scientific journals and made several national and international headlines.

Thornton Honored with AFS College Level Teaching Award

Dan Thornton has been an assistant professor in the Department of Oceanography since 2004. He has a bachelor of sciences and a Ph.D. from the Queen Mary, University of London. Prior to joining the faculty at TAMU, Dan was a research fellow at the University of Sunderland in the UK and a senior research officer at the University of Essex, UK.

Yang Honored with AFS College Level Teaching Award

Ping Yang is an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. He has a bachelor of sciences in theoretical physics from Lanzhou University, a master of sciences in atmospheric physics from Lanzhou Institute of Plateau Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, and a Ph.D. in meteorology from the University of Utah. Ping came to Texas A&M in 2001 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2005. Prior to that, he was an associate research scientist at the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and spent a year as a research scientist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. He was also an assistant research scientist in Atmospheric Sciences at UCLA, and a research associate at the University of Utah.

Schumacher Receives Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Teaching

Courtney Schumacher joined the Department of Atmospheric Sciences as an assistant professor in 2003 after completing a master of science and Ph.D. at the University of Washington. She earned a bachelor of arts in environmental sciences at the University of Virginia. Since joining the department, Courtney has taught an introductory course for majors and non-majors, two upper level undergraduate courses, and one graduate course, which represent the full range of courses in the department. Her student ratings are among the highest in the Department.

Everett Honored With Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Research

Mark Everett has been at Texas A&M University for 13 years, joining us as an assistant professor in Geology & Geophysics in 1995, and being promoted to associate professor in 1997 and professor in 2003. He earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in physics from York University, Canada, and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in geophysics. After completing his Ph.D., he held postdoctoral positions at the Scripps Oceanographic Institute and the University of Cambridge.

McCann Receives Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Technical Staff

Mark McCann has been an Information Technology professional in the College of Geosciences for 15 years. Starting as a computer lab manager in Oceanography in 1993, Mark was promoted to computer systems manager in 1998 and to lead systems administrator for the College in 2007. Mark is an energetic, upbeat and hardworking IT professional.

Powell Honored with Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Technical Staff

Clayton Powell has been an associate research specialist in charge of the John Handlin Rock Deformation Laboratory in the Department of Geology & Geophysics for the past 6½ years. He has almost 25 years experience working in electronics and electrical engineering. Clayton is a valued member of the staff who has performed far beyond normal expectations. Since coming to the laboratory, Clayton has assumed a leadership role not only in the management of the laboratory, but also in training other researchers in the operation of our complex scientific apparatus. With only limited direction, Clayton designs prototype electronic and mechanical devices to carry out cutting edge research.

Dunham Honored with Dean's Distinguished Award for Administrative Staff

Although she has been business coordinator III in the Department of Geology & Geophysics for only 1½ years, Sandy was with the College as an administrative assistant for the Geodynamics Research Institute for 8 years and has been employed by Texas A&M University for 31 years. While with the Research Institute, Sandy’s experience, knowledge and level-headedness enabled her to manage the day-to-day business of the Institute and handle crises both large and small, while always being reliable, honest, and discrete. Sandy’s addition to the staff in Geology & Geophysics has been widely appreciated by the faculties who have seen remarkable changes owing to her leadership and expertise.

Straube Receives Dean's Distinguished Achievement Awards for Administrative Staff

Barbara Straube has been with the College of Geosciences for 15 years and is currently a business coordinator III in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. She has worked full-time in Atmospheric Sciences for the past four years, and she worked part-time for them for nearly five years. Prior to that, Barb was a part-time program aid in Oceanography for five years. As business coordinator, Barb is responsible for all departmental business operations. She supervises the staff and meets all administrative needs of the faculty which has nearly doubled in size in the last four years. This growth has resulted in expanded research activities, leading to more grants and contracts, more purchasing, more travel, and more hiring of graduate students and research staff.

Zhang Receives the AMS Meisinger Award

Dr. Fuqing Zhang, an associate professor of Atmospheric Sciences, has been honored with the 2009 Clarence Leroy Meisinger Award given by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The award is intended to highlight promising atmospheric scientists under the age of 40 who have shown outstanding ability. Zhang earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Nanjing University in China, and his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. Zhang joined Texas A&M in 2001 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2006.

Wilheit Honored with Verner E. Suomi Award

Dr. Thomas Wilheit, a professor of atmospheric sciences, has been named the recipient of the 2008 Verner E. Suomi Award. This national award, given by the American Meteorological Society (AMS), recognizes highly significant technological achievement in the atmospheric and related sciences. Wilheit joined Texas A&M University as a professor in 1989. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, his M.A. degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mathewson Receives AEG International Mentor Award

Dr. Christopher Mathewson, a Regents Professor of Geology, has been named the first recipient of the Karl and Ruth Terzaghi Outstanding Mentor Award given by the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG). This international award was created to recognize outstanding mentors in both practice and academic careers. Mathewson was one of 26 nominees for the award and received a dozen letters of nomination from friends and former students. Mathewson has spent his career in service to the scientific community. He was president and executive director of AEG, chairman for the International Association of Engineering Geologists, president of the American Geological Institute, and chairman of the Engineering Geology division of the Geological Society of America. Mathewson came to Texas A&M University in 1971 after receiving his B.S. degree from the Case Institute of Technology, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Arizona.

Thomas Named a Montague Scholar

Dr. Debbie Thomas, assistant professor in Oceanography, has been named a 2008-2009 Montague Scholar. The Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar program honors faculty at Texas A&M University by annually recognizing one tenure-track assistant professor in each college for early-career excellence in undergraduate teaching. Each Montague Scholar receives a $5,000 grant to encourage further development of teaching skills. Thomas teaches both undergraduate and graduate level classes in oceanography and is faculty advisor for three PhD students, one Undergraduate Research Scholar, and six Environmental Geosciences majors. She and her students are gathering data using core samples drilled from the floor of the world’s oceans that document the evolution of deep ocean circulation patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific. She is one of three principal investigators overseeing operation of the College of Geosciences’ new state-of-the-art R. Ken Williams Radiogenic Isotope Geosciences Laboratory and is principal or co-principal investigator for three National Science Foundation grants totaling over $497,500.

Mathewson Honored with Pete Henley Mentor Award

Dr. Chris Mathewson, a regents professor of geology, has been selected by the Texas Section of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG) to receive the Pete Henley Mentor Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made lifelong efforts in providing professional, ethical, and technical mentoring for engineering and environmental geologists. The award is named after Aubrey “Pete” Henley, who was instrumental in founding the Texas Section of AEG. The award states that Mathewson is recognized for "his outstanding role as Counselor, Friend, Guide, Educator-Mentor”, in addition to his “impact upon aspiring young engineering geologists, students, members and Texas Section officers as well as his role in the shaping of the Texas Section of AEG.”

Rabinowitz Named Industry Pioneer by Offshore Energy Center

Dr. Phil Rabinowitz, professor of Oceanography and Geology & Geophysics in the College of Geosciences, has been named a 2008 Industry Pioneer by the Offshore Energy Center in Houston, Texas. Each year the Center recognizes individuals whose vision, drive, innovation and leadership have significantly impacted the oil and gas industry. As an Industry Pioneer, Rabinowitz will be included in the Center’s Hall of Fame housed at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum at Pier 19 in Galveston. Throughout his career, Rabinowitz has taught and completed extensive research in the areas of marine geology and geophysics, plate tectonic reconstruction, and scientific ocean drilling. He was named a Regents Professor by the Texas A&M Board of Regents in 2004 and holds the D. B. Harris Chair in Geophysics. He also received the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Research in 1987 and the Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching in 2002.

Ahr Honored with Outstanding Educator Award

Dr. Wayne Ahr, professor of geology and geophysics in the College of Geosciences, has been selected by the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies (GCAGS) to receive the 2008 GCAGS Outstanding Educator Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in the education and training of geologists through teaching, research, and publications. It is designed to honor educators who have made major positive impacts in the lives of Gulf Coast geologists. Ahr was nominated by former student Carl Steffensen who is now Senior Geologist for BP America and a member of the Department of Geology & Geophysics Advisory Council. Ahr has led his field in recent years as he and his students have worked to better understand how oil and other hydrocarbons flow through rock pores and how to find drilling “hotspots” that will yield the biggest returns. He came to Texas A&M in 1970 after having worked 5 years for Shell Oil Company. Ahr has supervised 51 M.S. theses and Ph.D. dissertations. He has been honored with many prestigious awards, including the Fulbright Research Scholar Award, the Texas A&M College-level Distinguished Achievement Award, Universite de Louvain Professor Invite, and the University of Leicester Visiting Scholar Award.

Kjerfve Honored by Brazilian Oceanography Society

Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Dean of the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University, was presented a medal in recognition of his 25-year involvement with oceanography in Brazil by the Associação Brasileira de Oceanografia (Brazilian Association for Oceanography). He was cited for being "an internationally renowned researcher who has supervised numerous Brazilian oceanography students and performed studies to develop oceanography in Brazil". Kjerfve has served as Dean of the College of Geosciences since 2004 and is a professor in the departments of Oceanography and Geography. A native of Sweden and a coastal physical oceanographer, Kjerfve was a visiting professor at the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil, visiting part time from 1988 to 2003 and completing full-time sabbatical stays in 1988 and 1996. He was also a visiting professor at the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, in 1984 and 1985.

Bednarz Named Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Sarah Bednarz was named one of two 2008 winners of Texas A&M University’s Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence Award. With stipends of $25,000 each, these awards are believed to be the highest in monetary value of their type in the nation. Texas A&M President Elsa Murano will formally present the awards at the university’s spring 2008 commencement ceremonies.

Bednarz came to Texas A&M in 1988 as a lecturer, having previously taught public schools at A&M Consolidated, Hearne and St. Mary’s School in Evanston, Ill. She holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, the University of Chicago and Texas A&M. She has published more than 70 scholarly papers and has given presentations at more than 100 conferences and symposia around the world. She is the winner of numerous awards, among them the Gilbert Grosvenor Award from the Association of American Geographers, the George Miller Award from the National Council for Geographic Education and several teaching awards from The Association of Former Students.

The award, established in 2003 by former President Robert M. Gates to underscore the importance of teaching at a major research university, includes the title of “Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence” – with the recipient retaining that title for the remainder of his or her career. Nominations of the recipients were made by students, faculty members and deans by each of the university’s 10 colleges. The Faculty Senate reviews each and narrows the list, and the president makes the final selections.

Orville Named Sigma Xi’s 2008 Distinguished Scientist

Dr. Richard E. Orville, professor of Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Geosciences, has been selected by the Texas A&M University Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, to receive their Distinguished Scientist Award for 2008. Orville is one of the world’s foremost experts on lightning. His research contributions include advances in the physics of lightning, such as developing and implementing the National Lightning Detection Network. Sigma Xi is a diverse chapter-based organization dedicated to the advancement of science and engineering through outstanding programs and services delivered in a collegial and supportive environment. The Society’s mission is to recognize, encourage and promote scientific research at Texas A&M University and to honor the community of science scholars.

Lafon Receives Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching

Dr. Charles Lafon, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, College of Geosciences, has been honored with a 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching. The award recognizes, encourages, and rewards superior classroom teachers –individuals whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, and commitment exemplify the meaning of teacher in its highest sense. The Distinguished Achievement Awards are given annually by the University and funded by the Association of Former Students.

Oceanography Graduate Students Recognized with National Fellowship Award

Daniel Murphy and Masako Tominaga, graduate students in the Department of Oceanography, have been named two of five 2007-2008 Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellows by the Joint Oceanographic Institutions' US Science Support Program, associated with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) at Texas A&M. Murphy and Tominaga received the honor for outstanding research related to IODP. Murphy’s research project is titled: “North Pacific Intermediate Water Circulation Over the Last 60 Kyr: Southern California Margin,” and Tominaga’s research is titled: “Determination of Volcanostratigraphy of ODP/IODP Hole 1256D: Core-Log Integration of Oceanic Crust Formed at a Superfast Spreading Rate.”

New Endowed Chair Honors William R. Bryant

Twenty-three former students and associates of Professor William R. Bryant have given a total of $1 million dollars to establish an endowed chair in his name in the Department of Oceanography within the College of Geosciences. The William R. Bryant Oceanography Chair for Teaching, Research and Mentoring Excellence was announced at a dinner held in Bryant’s honor on Friday, February 1, 2008. Bryant is the first faculty member at Texas A&M University to receive all three of the Association of Former Students highest University-level awards – the Distinguished Achievement Award in Research in 1982, the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching in 2001, and the Distinguished Achievement Award in Mentoring in 2007. He is an accomplished and dedicated educator and scientist who, as evidenced by creation of this endowed chair, has profoundly impacted the lives and careers of his students. This is the first chair in the College to be endowed by a large group of former students from a single department, and it is only the second chair created to benefit the Department of Oceanography. With the addition of the Bryant Chair, there are now 11 endowed chairs in the College of Geosciences to attract and retain outstanding faculty.

North Receives the Jule G. Charney Award

Dr. Gerald North, Distinguished Professor in the Atmospheric Sciences Department of the College of Geosciences, has been named the 2008 recipient of the American Meteorological Society’s Jule G. Charney Award. This award is granted to individuals in recognition of highly significant research or development achievement in the atmospheric or hydrologic sciences. Dr. North is cited "for groundbreaking research on climate models, atmospheric statistics, and satellite mission development." Dr. North will receive the award at the American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in January 2008 in New Orleans.

Atmospheric Sciences Professor Wins Outstanding Publication Award

Dr. Fuqing Zhang, an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and Chris Snyder, a senior scientist for the Earth and Sun Systems Laboratory (ESSL), received the 2007 Outstanding Publication Award from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for their collaborative study published in the Monthly Weather Review. The article, titled "Assimilation of simulated Doppler radar observations with an ensemble Kalman filter," discusses a new method of assimilating convective-style radar data to improve short-term modeling of thunderstorms. The article was published in 2003 and has since stimulated many research efforts on the subject. Dr. Zhang has been teaching at Texas A&M since 2001 and has coauthored more than 50 peer-refereed publications.

Dr. Gilbert Rowe Named Regents Professor

Dr. Gilbert Rowe, Head of the Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M at Galveston and Professor of Oceanography in the College of Geosciences, was honored with the title "Regents Professor" Thursday during an open session of the Texas A&M Board of Regents. The prestigious title, given to several A&M system professors and administrators annually, recognizes distinguished records in teaching, research and service. Honorees received a medallion, a certificate and a $9,000 stipend.