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Performance Awards
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Science and Engineering Awards
 Joost de Gouw, NOAA Chemical Sciences Division
The research of Joost de Gouw has fundamentally changed the scientific understanding of the sources of atmospheric aerosol particles and its affect on air quality, atmospheric chemistry and climate. His thorough analysis and careful measurements of organic aerosols from the New England Air Quality Study in 2002 found that an unexpected source of organic aerosols derives from abundant amounts hydrocarbon gas being emitted into the polluted air of the urban atmosphere. Despite results that challenged conventional wisdom on the source of these aerosols and created initial skepticism from peers in his field, he remained steadfast in his findings which were later validated in several other field programs. These results became a prime motivator in a special session in a recent American Geophysical Union conference and have led to the reevaluation of decades of aerosol yield studies conducted in smog chambers. Over the past decade he has also pioneered a new technique for the measurement of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere and is considered by his peers a leader in this field. His major contributions in research, however, have not prevented him from teaching and training the new generation of scientists where he supervises two University of Colorado graduate students. The quality of his scientific research and his leadership in the field of atmospheric chemistry are widely recognized to have a profound impact in the atmospheric sciences.
 David Stone and Kelvin Fedrick, NOAA Space Environment Center
David Stone and Kelvin Fedrick developed a highly complex ingest, processing and analysis software system for a new series of GOES satellite and space weather instrument data. David and Kelvin were presented the complicated problem of developing software that could process new data in a new format from a new satellite that were coming in at a higher data rate through a new ground system. In the face of aggressive schedules and constant resource and integration challenges they successfully delivered an "operational" ready system for post-launch test. Their creativity, perseverance, and dedication resulted in successfully capturing the data so that scientists could analyze instrument performance during the 6-month post-launch test period. During the post-launch period they continued to work hand-in-hand with the scientists to modify processing algorithms in real time, and their software helped scientists identify and correct anomalies found in the new instruments. Their efforts are considered vital to the Space Environment Center mission of providing data to customers ranging from the U.S. Air Force and NASA to commercial airlines and power companies.
 Jonathan Kofler, NOAA Global Monitoring Division
Jonathan Kofler successfully developed an improved system for automated in situ monitoring of carbon cycle greenhouse gases, leading to major improvements in NOAA’s Carbon Atmospheric Observing System. The new analyzers, which provide continuous measurements of CO2 and CO, are the core instruments for expanding network of tall tower greenhouse gas observatories sponsored by the Global Monitoring Division at NOAA/ESRL. Jonathan’s new design is more reliable than previous instruments and provides higher precision data, and his modular design allows for quick replacement thus minimizing downtime and data gaps. Unlike previous instruments, repairs can now be done in the laboratory which keeps costs lower and improves quality control. Jonathan has also initiated improvements to databases that track project spending and inventory, and set up intercomparison experiments to evaluate new equipment as part of the Small Business Innovation Research programs. He even oversaw and worked long hours to install ozone monitors for a field program even though it was not among his primary job responsibilities. His creativity, dedication, and expertise with the new analyzers will enhance significantly our ability to inform and engage society on the issue of carbon emissions.
Service Awards
 Allaina Howard, National Snow and Ice Data Center
When Allaina Howard arrived at NSIDC as the new professional librarian and archivist, she encountered storerooms containing almost 30 years of scientific materials that completely lacked organization, preservation, access, and defined purpose. In a very short time, she brought order to the chaos of an unusable collection through developing a program using free student volunteers and securing funding sources that has now allowed a significant number of these scientific collections to be accessible to researchers. Most notably, she has expanded, promoted, and made accessible the Glacier Photograph Collection of rare and valuable images, glass plates, and field notebooks where thousands of images are downloaded through the NSIDC web site each month and images have been presented in several national media outlets. Her work with this collection has been recognized by NOAA managers as one of the most successful programs in the Climate Database Modernization Program, and her achievements have resulted in being invited to give presentations at the Geological Society of America and Polar Libraries Colloquy in Rome. Her resourcefulness enabled her to digitize a historic 1930's film of glaciers and field expeditions in the Rocky Mountains that was deteriorating from age at no cost to NSIDC. Allaina’s ability to collaborate with others, her leadership role in data stewardship, and her inspiration to seek out grants and proposals to fund projects has exceeded all expectations of her service to the NSIDC.
 John Maurer, National Snow and Ice Data Center
John Maurer’s ability to understand user needs and to write efficient and effective computer code has greatly benefited both the User Services Office and Systems Engineering Group at NSIDC over the past 6 years. The tools developed by John have significantly reduced the time it takes for User Services to respond to and enter all incoming user requests. His ability to quickly learn new programming languages and translate user needs into software requirements has made him a key component for the smooth operations of the Systems Engineering Group. He has served as lead developer on at least four major systems that are vital to NSIDC.
His willingness to take on new challenges resulted in him volunteering to complete a stagnate project which now is now the popular NSIDC web site entitled "The Atlas of the Cryosphere." This web site demonstrated a Web Mapping service at NSIDC and incorporates numerous cryospheric datasets in an OGC compliant web client, as well as OGC compliant WMS, WFS, and WCS servers, serving the polar community.
While maintaining a high-level of excellence in his full-time job, he was able to receive certification from a remote sensing course through PAOS and earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado Geography Department. His commitment to improving both his knowledge base and technical skills along with his positive attitude and enthusiasm has immeasurably improved the level of service NSIDC has with its customers.
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216 UCB