NOAA – David Johnson Award for Outstanding Innovative Use of Earth Observation Satellite Data

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NASA’s Molly E. Brown wins 2010 NOAA David S. Johnson Award

NASA LogoMolly E. Brown, a respected NASA research scientist, was awarded the prestigious 2010 NOAA David S. Johnson Award, which recognizes young scientists for their innovative use of environmental satellite data. Brown received the award at the 53rd Annual Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner in Washington, D.C.

The NOAA-Johnson Award, first presented in 1999, is named after the first NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service and honors professional scientists who create new uses for observational satellite data to better predict atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial conditions.

Brown was cited for successfully integrating satellite remote sensing data, including information derived from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, an instrument onboard NOAA’s polar-orbiting satellites, into econometric models estimating agricultural commodity prices and food availability in Africa.

Brown is using this technique with the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), which is helping researchers better understand the impact of climate change on food sources. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s FEWS NET is also guiding leaders in 25 nations facing famine conditions and critical food security issues.

Award Nomination Deadline is December 15, 2010

Eligibility Criteria:

The NOAA David Johnson Award is presented by the National Space Club in honor of the first administrator of what was to become the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). This award is given to young professionals who have developed an innovative application of Earth observation satellite data (alone or in combination with non-satellite data) that is, or could be, used for operational purposes to assess and/or predict atmospheric, oceanic, or terrestrial conditions.

Examples include, but are certainly not limited to, the use of Earth observation data for fire monitoring, weather forecasting, climate monitoring or prediction, marine ecosystems monitoring, volcanic ash tracking, vegetation/drought monitoring, oil spill tracking, rainfall measurements or forecasts, hurricane landfall predictions, and fisheries management. The satellite data used may be from any Earth observation satellite such as a NOAA or other U.S. Government, commercial, or foreign satellite.

NOAA logoAn award committee of eminent professionals in the field will select the recipient for this award. The nominee must be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident and not more than 40 years of age on December 31, 2010.

Nominations may be submitted for individuals or groups. If nominating a group, all members of the group should have been actively involved in the design and/or implementation of the application, and each must be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident. In addition, the leader of the group must be clearly identified and meet the age qualification. The award nomination deadline is December 15, 2010.

For complete information about the nomination process, please click here.