We are very pleased to annouce that Edward A. Boyle, Professor of Ocean Geochemistry, has been appointed to the position of MIT Director of the Joint Program.  Professor Boyle has served as Acting Director since September.  Claude Canizares, Vice President for Research and Associate Provost at MIT, said that he knows "that Ed is committed to working with all of you to address the challenges laid out in the recent Advisory Committee report."

 

We'd also like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership that Prof. Paola Malanotte-Rizzoli  has shown since her appointment as MIT Director of the Joint Program in August 1997.  Her contributions to the program were numerous and valuable and contributed to the continued success of the Joint Program.  We look forward to continued exemplary leadership from Prof. Boyle.

The John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced that Daniel Sigman (marine geology and geophysics, 1997) will receive a $500,000 no-strings-attached grant over a five-year period.  The fellowships, known informally as "genius grants," honor the winners for their creativity, originality and potential to make important contributions to the future.  Danny was one of the invited speakers at the Joint Program 40th anniversary celebration at MIT last year.  Congratulations Danny!

 

Harry L. Bryden (physical oceanography, 1975) was awarded the Prince Albert I medal "in recognition of his fundamental contributions to understaind the ocean's role in the global climate system."  The award was made in July at the International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO) General Assembly in Montreal.  The award was ratified by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 2001 and has been awarded biennially since 2001.

 

Susan Parks (biological oceanography, 2003) was among 100 beginning researchers named by US President Obama as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineeers, the highest honor bestowed by the US government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent careers.  Awardees are selected on the basis of two criteria: Pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and a commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.