Research Physical Scientist, NASA, Greenbelt, MD, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes diverse leaders from around the world, representing various identities, voices, and perspectives. List any identities, voices, and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and any other identity you feel comfortable sharing.

I am a myopically-challenged, short, White, Jewish, father of two, from the Washington DC suburbs of the United States. I cannot claim any additional perspectives that contribute to AGU's diversity. However, I choose to participate in NASA-Goddard's Diversity and Inclusion efforts to promote equity and diversity in our own workplace.  I encourage and facilitate participation from the diverse members of my research group, and strive to create a positive and welcoming environment where all voices are heard. 

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

- Associate Editor of Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres (2012-present) 
- Convener for sessions at meetings/conferences including Fall AGU
- Lead for NASA-Goddard's “AeroCenter” seminar series (2009-2011)
- Mentor for NASA-Goddard's internship programs (undergrad/graduate)
- Served on master's/doctorate committees
- Secretary, VP, and various committees within Indian Spring Civic Association (2015-2021)
- Teacher, Board Member, and Discussion Leader for Fabrangen Cheder (religious school) community (2011-2020).
- Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 209 (2017-2020)

As one of the elected leaders of your section, how will you partner with your president and president-elect to communicate with and engage your members to help implement AGU’s strategic plan including its mission and vision?

In 1919, AGU was chartered to represent the best of the best regarding Earth and space sciences.  Now, AGU’s Vision language also includes “equitable” and “sustainable.” As the global community faces existential issues such as global pandemics and climate change, solutions must be cooperative, and include “buy-in” from diverse communities. To succeed, these messages must be delivered in ways that are “ethical, unbiased and respectful to those communities and their values.” I will partner with AGU leadership to tailor these messages.

My primary NASA role is to use satellite observations to help characterize the global aerosol system. Our product has been amazingly well-received (downloaded, analyzed, cited) by users around the world. While the scientific quality is good, I believe the outsize community buy-in is a result of committing to open and honest communication, personal engagement, and team diversity. The products are free and available (NASA policy), with extensive and critical documentation. Concurrently, we actively engage with users – through workshops / training, developing partnerships and otherwise supporting their needs. Historically, our team has included a diverse collection of individuals (nationality, religion, gender, age, etc.), which also contributes to the products’ broad reach.

To AGU, I offer a continued commitment to honest communication. Aerosols and clouds are at the nexus of all sorts of air quality and climate applications, and their complexity requires advances in related mathematical, computational, chemical and physical science fields.  We have big global problems to tackle, and everyone needs to be involved – no one left out.

Section affiliations:
Atmospheric Sciences