Dr. Joanna Joiner Named Recipient of 2020 William Nordberg Memorial Award for Earth Science
06.24.2020
We are thrilled to announce the selection of Dr. Joanna Joiner as the 2020 William Nordberg Memorial Award for Earth Science winner.
Dr. Joiner is being recognized for exceptional scientific breakthroughs and leadership in the remote sensing of clouds, trace gases, and photosynthesis.
Dr. Joiner serves as Deputy Project Scientist for the NASA EOS Aura satellite and is the lead for the U.S. OMI Science Team, managing the core team that provides critical support for OMI science team members and the wider user community. Together with her international co-Leads, Dr. Joiner accepted the 2018 USGS Pecora Award on behalf of the entire OMI Science Team.
Of particular note is Dr. Joiner’s innovative application of inelastic rotational Raman scattering (the Ring Effect) in UV remote sensing to derive trace-gas vertical profiles and to measure the Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF) of chlorophyll as a means of estimating gross primary production (GPP) over land surfaces. These contributions, and insights that have produced additional improvements to SO2 retrieval, represent major advances in the field of UV remote sensing, having wide practical implications.
Dr. Joiner will be presented with the William Nordberg Memorial Award during a future Scientific Colloquium that will be scheduled once we are all back on Center.
On May 3, 2020, the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service announced 27 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal (Sammies) finalists for 2020 – outstanding federal employees who serve the public good and are addressing many of our country’s greatest challenges. One of those winners is climatologist and author, Claire Parkinson of the Earth Sciences Division.
Claire was selected for her achievements in conducting breakthrough scientific research documenting how the changing sea ice covers in the Arctic and Antarctic oceans have played a significant role in climate change and for her role as Project Scientist for the Aqua satellite. Claire is one of six finalists in the Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement category.
The Sammies, known as the “Oscars” of government service, are a highly respected honor with a rigorous selection process. Congratulations, Claire!
The Sciences and Exploration Directorate is the largest Earth and space science research organization in the world. Its scientists advance understanding of the Earth and its life-sustaining environment, the Sun, the solar system, and the wider universe beyond. The Directorate is part of Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Researchers in the Sciences and Exploration Directorate (SED) work with engineers, computer programmers, technologists, and other team members to develop the cutting-edge technology needed for space-based research. Instruments are also deployed on aircraft, balloons, and Earth's surface.
The Directorate's researchers share their findings and data with the scientific community. Education and Public Outreach programs explain the science to students and the general public.
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On May 3, 2020, the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service announced 27 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal (Sammies) finalists for 2020 – outstanding federal employees who serve the public good and are addressing many of our country’s greatest challenges. One of those winners is climatologist and author, Claire Parkinson of the Earth Sciences Division. 
