Jun Wang, a University of Iowa professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, was announced as American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) 2022 Atmospheric Sciences Ascent Award recipient. The Ascent Award recognizes excellence in research and leadership in the atmospheric and climate sciences from honorees between eight and 20 years of receiving their PhD. 

Wang, the James E. Ashton Professor of Engineering and interim chair of the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, maintains a prolific research portfolio while mentoring PhD candidates, masters students, and undergraduates. Wang’s team studies air pollution by using satellite data to monitor aerosols on the Earth’s surface, including impacts of smoke from wildfires.  

Wang, who joined UI in 2016, is also the assistant director of the Iowa Technology Institute and director of the Atmospheric and Environmental Research Lab.  

Being selected as a Section Honoree is bestowed upon individuals for meritorious work or service toward the advancement and promotion of discovery and solution science. AGU, a nonprofit organization that supports 130,000 enthusiasts to experts worldwide in Earth and space sciences, annually recognizes a select number of individuals as part of its Honors and Recognition program.  

Wang is recognized by the global Earth and space sciences community for tremendous personal sacrifices and selfless dedication to advancing Earth and space sciences.  

AGU will formally recognize this year’s recipients during #AGU22 Fall Meeting, 12-16 December 2022 in Chicago, IL and online everywhere. This celebration is a chance for AGU’s community to recognize the outstanding work of our colleagues and be inspired by their accomplishments and stories.  

Editor’s note: This joint announcement comes from AGU and the UI College of Engineering