Professor Natalya Gomez of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has been selected to receive the American Geophysical Union’s 2023 James B. Macelwane Medal, awarded annually to three to five early career scientists in recognition of their significant contributions to Earth and space science. AGU, the world’s largest Earth and space science association, annually recognizes a select number of individuals for its highest honors.
Gomez is recognized by the global Earth and space sciences community for her pivotal research at the juncture of solid earth geophysics and climate science. Her work focuses on the impact of climate change on ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and how these interactions will affect sea levels and coastlines around the world in the near and far future.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive the 2023 AGU James B. Macelwane Medal,” said Gomez. “Thank you to my research group, collaborators, and colleagues for their support.”
Gomez joins other scientists, leaders, educators, journalists, and communicators from around the world who have made outstanding achievements and contributions by pushing forward the frontiers of science. Each recipient embodies the AGU community’s shared vision of a thriving, sustainable, and equitable future powered by discovery, innovation, and action. These recipients have worked with integrity, respect, and collaboration while creating deep engagement in education, diversity, and outreach.
The Macelwane Medal was named in honor of former AGU president James B. Macelwane (1953-1956) who was renowned for his contributions to geophysics. Macelwane was also deeply interested in teaching and encouraging scientists, founding the Department of Geophysics at St. Louis University and serving as Dean of the Graduate School, along with various other roles, all while always committing to teach at least one course.
AGU will formally recognize this year’s recipients at AGU23, which will convene more than 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries in San Francisco and online everywhere on December 11-15. 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.