Principal Research Scientist, MIT Haystack Observatory, Westford, MA, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders 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 anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

In 1978, I was honored to be the first recipient of the AGU June Bacon-Bercy Scholarship in Atmospheric Sciences for Women. Following my B.A. in mathematics in 1975, I spent two years working full-time and taking physics courses at night before entering the space physics and astronomy Ph.D. program at Rice University. At that time, my class had only two women and the environment was highly competitive. The scholarship provided essential financial support and critical professional encouragement during a pivotal career moment.

Since then, I have worked to pay this recognition forward through mentorship, with particular emphasis on building scientific capacity in underrepresented regions. Since 2009, I have participated in more than 10 United Nations International Space Weather Initiative capacity-building workshops across Africa, South America, and Asia. I have mentored 13 Ph.D. students from diverse institutions and backgrounds.

My primary perspective stems from my nearly 50 years in space physics and my direct experience that talent and creativity exist globally. I am committed to ensuring AGU leadership reflects the diverse voices that strengthen our scientific community.

Volunteer experience that you feel relates to this position:

AGU: Chair of Africa Award for Research Excellence in Earth or Ocean Sciences and the Africa Award for Research Excellence in Space Science (2024-2025); Africa Award Space Sciences (2019-2021) chair, committee member (2017-2019); Member of the Fleming Committee AGU (2007-2010); NASA: Co-chair of the NASA Living With a Star Program Analysis Group (LPAG) (2018-2023); National Academy: Member of the National Academy Space Weather Roundtable (2022-current); U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Radio Science (USNC-URSI): Member-at-Large (2023-2026); Commission G Chair (2002-2005); Commission G ViceChair (1999-2002)

Section presidents and presidents-elect serve as members of the AGU Council and lead their sections. The AGU Council is a diverse forum of perspectives that meets throughout the year to provide input to the AGU Board, staff, and other parts of the organization. Three communities within the Council - committee chairs, section leaders, and students and early career scientists - serve different roles in AGU and bring unique viewpoints to ongoing discussions.

This role aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. This leadership position is a dual role: helping to advance AGU’s strategic plan as a member of Council; and leading your section. How would you support the Board, staff and other sections to achieve AGU’s vision, values, mission, and goals? How will you engage with members of your section to execute AGU’s strategic plan?

AGU's core mission is to support and inspire a global community of individuals and organizations interested in advancing discovery in Earth and space sciences and its benefit for humanity and the environment. As Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) president-elect, I will embody this mission and advance AGU's vision through scientific discovery, innovation, and action.

In the current political climate, demonstrating science's value is critical. My leadership will stress AGU's core values: excellence, respect, diversity, collaboration, and inspiration through outreach and education. I will focus on three key areas:

First, cultivating trust in evidence-based science. SPA research directly addresses real-world societal challenges—from space weather resilience to technological infrastructure protection. Concrete examples include improving atmospheric models for satellite drag prediction as the number of satellites in low-Earth orbit grows exponentially, and mitigating space weather impacts on precision agriculture, aviation, and communications. I will aim to have SPA showcase these tangible connections.

Second, building sustainable partnerships. SPA is uniquely positioned to work with public, private, and nonprofit sectors to embed our science in real-world decision-making. Of note are the many important collaborations SPA has with our international space weather partners. I will work to strengthen these partnerships through special sessions, workshops, and outreach initiatives.

Third, investing in the next generation. I will establish SPA mentorship networks annually pairing early career scientists with senior researchers. I will also work to identify and/or establish outreach workshops involving SPA participation. These initiatives will provide younger scientists—many facing resource constraints—with direct access to mentorship and research collaborations.