Dr. Lewis received his B.S. degree from Norfolk State University (1999) and a M.S. degree from Georgia Institute of Technology (2002), both in physics. After teaching in the public school system for several years, he continued his education at Hampton University and received a Ph.D. in physics/atmospheric science in 2010. He is currently an associate research scientist in the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) and conducts research at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a member of the Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) science team.
Jasper R Lewis
(ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST)
| Email: | jasper.r.lewis@nasa.gov |
| Phone: | 301.614.6721 |
| Org Code: | 612 |
| Address: |
NASA/GSFC Mail Code 612 Greenbelt, MD 20771 |
| Employer: | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE CO |
Brief Bio
Research Interests
Research Interest
Earth Science: Aerosols & CloudsDr. Lewis' research interests include remote sensing of cirrus clouds and the planetary boundary layer.
Current Projects
Micropulse Lidar Network
Remote Sensing
A federated network of ground-based lidar systems designed to measure aerosol and cloud vertical structure
EarthCARE Cal/Val
Calibration/Validation Course Partnership
Comparing ground-based lidar retrievals of aerosol and cloud properties to the spaceborne lidar aboard the EarthCARE satellite
Positions/Employment
Assistant Research Scientist
Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) II - University of Maryland Baltimore County
2012 - Present
Conducted research in atmospheric remote sensing and boundary layer climatology using measurements from the Micropulse Lidar Network (MPLNET). Responsible for algorithm development and data quality control/quality assurance.
NASA Postdoctoral Fellow
NASA Postdoctoral Program - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
2010 - 2012
Developed algorithms for the detection of cloud and boundary layer heights for use in the Micropulse Lidar Network (MPLNET). Research focuses on the validation and improvement of atmospheric models using lidar measurements.
Doctoral Fellow
National Institute for Aerospace - NASA Langley Research Center
2006 - 2009
Conducted aerosol profile measurements using an airborne elastic backscatter lidar. Compared aerosol lidar profiles to aerosol optical depth measurements from the MODIS instrument aboard the Aqua/Terra satellites and in-situ PM2.5 mass concentrations in field campaigns in Virginia and the California Central Valley.
Teaching Experience
Instructor (Summer 2018)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Co-taught a research-based internship for undergraduates in which they learned about climate change and produced videos highlighting UMBC’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality. The videos for the project, named Carbon Zero, were used on the university’s social media platforms and are located on the UMBC Sustainability Matters website.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (May 2010)
Hampton University: Physics/Atmospheric Science
Master of Science (May 2022)
Georgia Institute of Technology: Physics
Bachelor of Science (May 1999)
Norfolk State University: Physics/Electronics Engineering
Professional Societies
American Geophysical Union
2010 - Present
American Meteorological Society
2010 - Present
IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society
2010 - Present
National Society of Black Physicsist
2009 - Present
Professional Service
UMBC Climate Action Steering Committee
Awards
Science Software Development, GSFC Earth Science Division Performance Award (2020)
Best Senior Author Publication, GSFC Earth Science Division Performance Award (2017)
Alan Berman Research Publication Award, Naval Research Laboratory (2015, 2017)
Grants
EarthCARE Cal/Val Using the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) - NASA Grant #80NSSC21K0560 - Awarded: 2021-03-01
Dates: 2021-03-01 - 2025-02-28
Understanding Spatiotemporal Variability in Urban Mixed Layer Heights through Observations and Modeling - NASA Contract #NNH14CM13C - Awarded: 2014-01-01
Dates: 2014-01-01 - 2017-01-01