Last week, NOAA Administrators announced the recipients of the 2022 Bronze Medal, Distinguished Career, Administrator’s Awards, and Recognition Awards for 50 Years of Service. Among the awardees were several ESSIC scientists.
ESSIC Visiting Scientists from NESDIS/Center for Satellite Applications and Research STAR) each received Bronze Medals for Scientific or Engineering Achievement. This is the highest honor award granted by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal recognizes federal employees for superior performance and is awarded to individuals, groups (or teams), and organizations.
Veronica Lance and Scott Rudlosky earned the award “for ensuring that NOAA’s next generation geostationary satellite system will meet the most critical observing needs for our nation and partners.” Tom Smith received the award “for innovation on a blended satellite-in situ sea surface temperature product and timely dissemination enabling improved Marine Heat Wave monitoring.” Additionally, several ESSIC scientists were contributors on the Bronze Medals, as well as receiving internal NESDIS awards of scientific, leadership and diversity achievement. This includes Melanie Abecassis, Ron Vogel, Peter Beierle, and Lin Lin.
Two ESSIC faculty also received the NOAA Distinguished Career Award, which honors contribution on a sustained basis and a body of work, rather than a single defined accomplishment. This award recognizes significant accomplishments across all NOAA program areas and functions that have resulted in long-term benefits to the bureau’s mission and strategic goals.
ESSIC Associate Director Ralph Ferraro received the Distinguished Career Award in Scientific Achievement “for exploiting satellite passive microwave observations to elucidate the hydrologic cycle”.
ESSIC/AOSC Visiting Research Professor Louis Uccellini received the Distinguished Career Award in Professional Achievement “for extraordinary dedication to preparing the public for and protecting the country against extreme weather, water, and climate events throughout an illustrious 43-year career in public service, and working tirelessly to build a Weather-Ready Nation by leading the National Weather Service to provide crucial, life-saving Impact-based Decision Support Service in support of every community.” Uccellini recently retired as the assistant administrator for weather services and 16th director of the National Weather Service.
Congratulations to all of the recipients!
