NOAA SCIENTISTS ELECTED AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION FELLOWS

NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory scientists Tim Bates and Richard Feely have been elected American Geophysical Union Fellows for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of the geophysical sciences, service to the community, and promotion of public understanding of geophysics and NOAA research.

Tim Bates, a research chemist, started at NOAA in 1978, and received his doctorate in environmental chemistry from University of Washington. Bates’ current research focuses on atmospheric aerosol particles, global change and air quality. He has led numerous field experiments throughout the world and served as chair of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Program.

Richard Feely, a supervisory oceanographer, started at NOAA in 1974 after receiving a doctorate in oceanography from Texas A&M University. Feely’s research has ranged from studies of the chemistry of hydrothermal vent fluids to improving our understanding of the role of the oceans in the global carbon cycle. He continues to be active in the development of national and international carbon cycle research programs and has been spearheading the development of an international NOAA research program on ocean acidification.

“It is a great honor for NOAA Research and PMEL to have two scientists elected AGU Fellows at the same time,” said Richard Spinrad, assistant administrator NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. “This honor is bestowed only on the top one tenth percent of the AGU membership each year and highlights NOAA’s preeminence in research.”

AGU is an individual-membership society open to those professionally engaged in or associated with the Earth and space sciences. Nominated by AGU members, each year approximately 48 scientists worldwide displaying eminence in geophysical research are selected through peer consensus and hold the honorable distinction as being a recognized leader in their respective field of research.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is celebrating 200 years of science and service to the nation. From the establishment of the Survey of the Coast in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson to the formation of the Weather Bureau and the Commission of Fish and Fisheries in the 1870s, much of America's scientific heritage is rooted in NOAA.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 60 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

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