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PAUL A. WITHERSPOON LECTURE COMMITTEE

Committee members

Name

Institution

Committee Role

Patrick Reed 

Cornell University 

Committee Chair
Jenni Adam Washington State University Member 

Wendy Graham 

University of Florida 

Member

Veronica Morales 

 University of California Davis 

Member
Ilja Van Meerveld University of Zurich
 Member

Committee charge

The committee is charged with selecting the recipients of the Paul A. Witherspoon Lecture. Committee members will abide by AGU’s Honors Conflict of Interest Policy, program policies, procedures and guidelines set by AGU. In partnership with the Honors and Recognition Committee and staff, the committee works to ensure that the program is superior in all respects, recognizes all constituents, and fosters a global network of individuals in the Earth and space sciences who epitomize excellence and cooperation in research, education, and outreach. The members of the Witherspoon Lecture Committee will promote excellence and transparency, allowing broad input and recognition beyond disciplinary awards, promoting diversity and equity so that Witherspoon Lecture is sufficiently representative of underrepresented groups.

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Key duties

The Witherspoon Lecture Committee supports the following initiatives and duties and serves a two-year term. Their work is completed primarily through the online submission and review system, and by teleconference and email.
  • 1
    Review data from honors selection processes for the past years to determine if the program is achieving AGU’s relevant goals
  • 2
    Examine and report on program data to determine whether the number and quality of lecture nominations is competitive
  • 3
    Select the Witherspoon lecturers
  • 4
    Recommend, implement, and evaluate strategies used to increase diversity of nominations
  • 5
    Participate in training, orientations, and workshops on associated Honors and Recognition policies and processes
  • 6
    Understand and commit to AGU’s Conflict of Interest policy and process
  • 7
    Provide input and recommendations to the Honors and Recognition Committee on program improvements
  • 8
    Partner with AGU leaders and staff, as well as other societies to resolve common issues among scientific communities’ recognition programs