Morgan State University Newsroom Morgan State University
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recognized two Morgan State University (MSU) research scientists for their technical efforts. The two researchers are part of a team of Morgan State University scientists who work on the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) Program, a NASA cooperative agreement managed by Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
Dr. Min-Jeong Kim received the “Outstanding Scientific Contribution” award from NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) for her focused effort to successfully introduce new microwave radiance data from the TRMM/GPM platforms into the GEOS-5 data assimilation system. GMAO is a component of the Earth Sciences Division in the Sciences and Exploration Directorate at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The division’s research and development activities aims to maximize the impact of satellite observations in climate, weather and atmospheric composition prediction using comprehensive global models and data assimilation. To achieve this goal, the GMAO develops models and assimilation systems for the atmosphere, ocean and land surface, generating products to support NASA instrument teams and the NASA Earth science program and undertakes scientific research to inform system development pathways.
Dr. Mircea Grecu received the “Exceptional Scientific Achievement” award from NASA Goddard’s Code 612 – Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes Laboratory, for outstanding his scientific contributions and his dedicated efforts in developing the GPM Combined Radar/Radiometer Algorithm. Mr. Frank Hornbuckle, MSU GESTAR Program Manager (left to right) is pictured here with Dr. Grecu, Dr. Gail Skofronick-Jackson, the laboratory chief of NASA Goddard’s Code 612 and Jefferson Beck of USRA.
The NASA GESTAR program at Morgan, which includes Drs. Kim and Grecu, conducts research collaboratively, mainly within GSFC’s Earth Sciences Division but also with NASA’s Solar Systems Exploration Division, NASA’s Office of Education and NASA’s Office of Public Affairs. Scientists and staff at GESTAR, in collaboration with NASA and other investigators, conceive and develop new, space-based missions; provide mission requirements; conduct research that explains the behavior of Earth and other planetary systems; and, create engagement media that tell NASA’s story of exploration and discovery on Earth and beyond.
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie classified Doctoral Research Institution offering more than 70 academic programs leading to bachelors degrees as well as programs at the masters and doctoral levels. As Maryland’s Premier, Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information on Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
# # #
Contact:
Dr. Victor R. McCrary
VP for Research & Economic Development
443-885-4631
