Sciences and Exploration Directorate

Jasper R Lewis

(POST DOC)

Jasper R Lewis's Contact Card & Information.
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


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.

Research Interests


Research Interest

Earth Science: Aerosols & Clouds

Dr. 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