Distinguished Professor, Stony Brook University, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders representing various identities, voices, and perspectives. List any identities, voices, and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

I came to the United States in 1988 after earning my Ph.D. in China. This international academic journey has provided me with a good understanding of the research landscapes in different countries, as well as an appreciation for the diverse passions and challenges faced by foreign scientists. My tenure as Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, and later as Interim Provost and Senior Vice President at Stony Brook University, has further enriched my perspective. I have gained invaluable insights into the needs and aspirations of students, staff, and faculty from different backgrounds. I worked hard in my school and university to foster an inclusive environment that embraces diversity in all its forms.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. Interim Editor-in-Chief of Geophysical Research Letters. AGU's Meetings Committee, Publications Committee, and Search Committee for Editor-in-Chief of the new journal of Journal of Geophysical Research: Machine Learning.
Co-Chair of the Atmospheric Model of the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Member of the Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) Scientific Steering Group and the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Department of Energy (DOE) Earth System Model (E3SM). Member of the Advisory Committee for the Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the DOE Office of Science (BERAC).

This role aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. This leadership position is a dual role - helping to advance AGU’s strategic plan as a member of Council and leading your section. How would you support the Board, staff and other sections to achieve AGU’s vision, values, mission, and goals? How will you engage with members of your section to execute AGU’s strategic plan?

Q1:
I will strive to promote excellence by facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations, communicating high-quality research, and embracing machine learning and artificial intelligence in geosciences. My service as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres has given me valuable experience in working with AGU leadership teams for the mission of excellence.

I will also strive to make AGU a community of support and inspiration for people from all backgrounds. I will advocate for a virtual AGU University that offers both real-time and pre-recorded lecture modules of standard textbooks, so that people in all countries will have opportunities to learn from the best instructors and authors for free. My service as Dean, and later as Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stony Brook University during the period of COVID-19, has taught me the need to be creative in providing equal opportunities for students.

I will promote partnerships with stakeholders through forums both online and at the AGU Fall Meeting. My role in directing the New York State Resiliency Institute for Storms and Emergencies in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has given me first-hand knowledge on the needs of a wide spectrum of stakeholders for preparedness and resilience against extreme weather and climate change.

Q2:
I will hold town hall meetings at the AGU Fall Meeting and through virtual channels to gather and communicate ideas, and highlight research and stories by members.

I will collaborate with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), particularly through the biennial AMS/AGU Joint Heads and Chairs Meeting, to explore new ways of education and communication.

Section affiliations:

Atmospheric Sciences; Science and Society