FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n
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CONTACT: Michael Pavolonis,\u00a0michael.pavolonis@ssec.wisc.edu<\/a>,\u00a0608-263-9597;<\/p>\n Jeff Key,\u00a0jeff.key@ssec.wisc.edu<\/a>,\u00a0608-263-2605<\/p>\n Physical Scientist Michael Pavolonis selected for 2015 NOAA David Johnson Award<\/strong><\/p>\n MADISON \u2014Michael Pavolonis, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) physical scientist based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison\u2019s Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), has been selected to receive the 2015 NOAA David Johnson Award.<\/a><\/p>\n Sponsored by the nonprofit National Space Club, in memoriam of the first assistant administrator of NOAA\u2019s Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS), the David Johnson Award is annually presented to a young professional in recognition of outstanding, innovative uses of Earth-observation satellite data for operations, in order to predict atmospheric, oceanic, or terrestrial conditions.<\/p>\n Pavolonis, who earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in atmospheric and oceanic sciences from UW-Madison, developed an automated, satellite-based, global volcanic eruption detection system to improve the timeliness and accuracy of volcanic ash cloud advisories. Information from the volcanic eruption detection system is already being used by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers operated by NOAA, reports ASPB chief Jeff Key in the nominating letter, and has been \u201cextremely useful\u201d in the international operational and research communities as well, adds U.S. Geological Survey volcanic ash expert Marianne Guffanti.<\/p>\n \u201cVolcanic Ash Advisory Centers are the front line of action in warning about volcanic-cloud hazards, and Mike\u2019s quantitative retrievals, corresponding training materials, and visits are in high demand,\u201d writes Guffanti, commending the NOAA\/CIMSS volcano imagery site<\/a> on its easy access for users.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, Pavolonis briefed the United States House and Senate as well as NOAA senior leadership on the importance of satellites in mitigating volcanic hazards. He stressed that the extremely large volumes of satellite data collected must be transformed into actionable information using complex, science-driven, computer algorithms.<\/p>\n \u201c[Pavolonis\u2019] extremely fruitful endeavors include basic research, algorithm development, testing, training, publications, and international collaboration with many users throughout the globe,\u201d Key states.<\/p>\n