Dr. Ambrose Jearld has made intentional commitments to support the fostering of more inclusive research and learning environments for early-career Earth and space system scholars from underinvested communities. Throughout his professional career, Ambrose’s people-centered vision has propelled him to be a leader in empowering early-career scholars to explore educational, research and potential career opportunities that they would not have normally considered. He has uniquely applied systems approaches to address justice, equity, diversity and inclusion issues in the Earth and space sciences (ESS), and his ability to garner resources and collaborators in support of these efforts has been transformative. Ambrose’s professional efforts have been multisectored, and his organizational acumen has been on display for decades. He has held positions of authority within academia, the public sector (NOAA) and nonprofit organizations, where he has demonstrated that true leadership qualities are transferrable and service to the community for the greater good is a worthy goal of any professional regardless of area of expertise. Ambrose has easily relayed the importance of supporting the people who conduct the science through his past volunteer service on the AGU Council, through his presidential role at the National Technical Association and as a visionary founder of the innovative Partnership Education Program at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). The number of honors, citations, recognitions and even a named lectureship at a world premier research institution like WHOI highlight the quality of Ambrose’s career efforts, the products of his leadership and the sustainability of his caring and training of the upcoming generations of ESS scientists and professionals.

 — Brandon Jones National Science Foundation Alexandria, Virginia

Response

I am grateful to receive an Ambassador Award from AGU. It is an honor to share this award with Aradhna E. Tripati from the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as to be included with all the distinguished scientists who are receiving awards this year.

Working for equity, access and inclusion has been the emphasis of my personal and professional work. My commitment to diversity has been guided and supported by many people and organizations. Brad Brown was my first postbaccalaureate mentor and has been long actively involved in the work of civil rights and diversity in the sciences. Ashanti Johnson, Ben Cuker, the late Claudia Alexander and others too numerous to name were instrumental in founding cohort programs that helped open the doors for marginalized and underrepresented people to enter the geological and oceanic sciences. I have been involved in these organizations in many roles, from graduate student to mentor. I'd also like to recognize Brendon Jones, who nominated me for this award and who also participated in a number of these cohort groups. Finally, throughout my career, I've had the love and support of my family.

Diversity in the ocean and Earth sciences is critical. All of us are part of the environment; all of us have a vital interest in the health of the waters and shorelines. The land and seas belong to all of us. We are still finding opportunities to include the wisdom and knowledge of more people in our understanding. We are still finding ways to honor the hidden figures who have supported inclusion, access and equity in understanding our shared environment. We are still working on sharing power so that all voices may be truly represented. I accept this award in recognition of the work that has been done by so many and the work that still remains.

— Ambrose Jearld Jr., NOAA (retired) and Woods Hole Partnership Education Program, Woods Hole, Massachusetts