The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has officially announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, and we are proud to share that Professor Lei Zhao, a distinguished alumnus of the School of Atmospheric Sciences (SAS) of Nanjing University and a faculty member at the Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been honored with the James B. Macelwane Medal. As part of this recognition, Professor Zhao has also been elected an AGU Fellow.
Professor Zhao currently serves as a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Grainger College of Engineering and holds an affiliate professorship in the Department of Climate, Meteorology, and Atmospheric Science. His research focuses on the intersection of global climate change and urbanization, two of the most potent forces shaping today's Earth system. By combining Earth system modeling, remote sensing, AI/ML, and advanced computing, his work helps reveal how cities interact with the climate and develops next-generation models to support more sustainable futures.
The James B. Macelwane Medal is among AGU's most prestigious honors for early career scientists. Awarded annually to only three to five researchers globally, it recognizes exceptional contributions and leadership in the field of Earth and space science. The medal is named in honor of former AGU President James B. Macelwane (1953-1956) who was renowned for his contributions to geophysics. Recipients are invited to present their work at the AGU annual meeting, where they are formally recognized and inducted into the AGU College of Fellows.
This accolade not only acknowledges Professor Zhao's scholarly impact but also exemplifies the enduring legacy of Nanjing University's educational excellence. As a leading institution in Earth science research and education, Nanjing University remains committed to advancing global scientific progress and sustainable development.
Congratulations to Professor Lei Zhao on this outstanding achievement!