Penn State Professor Honored with National Medal of Science for Groundbreaking Climate Research

Dr. Richard Alley, a prominent geoscientist and professor at Penn State, recently received the prestigious National Medal of Science. This award is the highest honor in the U.S. for scientists and engineers, recognizing exceptional contributions and groundbreaking discoveries.

Alley’s research focuses on ice cores that are two miles thick. He explains, “You can read a history of climate written in the layers of the ice. You can test your ideas on what causes climate to change and see how living things react when the climate shifts.”

Working on ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica, Alley and his team uncover vital information about climate history. He emphasizes how seasonal sunlight alters the snow. “The sun shines in the summer and doesn’t in the winter, which changes the snow’s chemical and electrical properties,” he notes.

These layers hold essential clues to understanding climate change patterns over time. Alley has identified critical “switches” and “dials” that can lead to sudden shifts in the Earth’s climate. His findings have greatly influenced Earth science and climate policy worldwide.

At a recent ceremony in the White House, Alley received his medal alongside 13 other distinguished scientists, making him the fifth member of the Penn State community to achieve this honor.

“Dr. Alley truly deserves this prestigious recognition,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “He represents what it means to be an exceptional scientist.” Alley humbly acknowledged the support of his colleagues and students, emphasizing that scientific progress is a team effort.

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