A University of Iowa alumna has been elected as a fellow of the American Meteorological Society.

Yang Zhang, who earned a PhD in chemical and biochemical engineering in 1994 under the advisement of Gregory Carmichael, received an affirmative vote from the society's council. Zhang is a distinguished professor and associate chair for research in civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University. 

Zhang specializes in atmospheric and environmental research, contributing to the development, improvement, application, and evaluation of major 3-D air quality, climate, and Earth system models on urban, regional, and global projects. Her lab conducts research to support clean air initiatives, smart cities, and digital Earth systems.

The formal presentation of the award will occur in conjunction with the 107th AMS Annual Meeting scheduled for Jan. 10-14, 2027, in Denver, Colorado.