Stony Brook, NY (January 14, 2003) -- Stony Brook University Professor Lianxing Wen from the Department of Geosciences has been awarded the 2003 James B. Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
Lianxing Wen
The Macelwane Medal recognizes significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by an outstanding young scientist (less than 36 years of age). It was established in 1961 by AGU, the world's leading organization of scientists studying the physics and chemistry of the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and near-space environment. A total of only 95 geophysicists have been so honored over the past 40 years.
Dr. Wen is a theoretical and observational seismologist and geodynamicist. By integrating scientific results from seismology, geodynamics and mineral physics, Dr. Wen adopts interdisciplinary research toward understanding the structure, dynamics, and composition of the Earth's interior. He uses seismic waves to probe the internal structure of the Earth and develops geodynamical models of how Earth's internal processes govern the Earth's continental drift, surface uplift and volcanism.
Dr. Wen’s ability to formulate new theoretical methods and apply to new seismological observations have led to some of the most fundamental and exciting discoveries in seismology over the past 10 years. His work has fundamentally changed our understanding of the structure and dynamical processes of the Earth's mantle, core and the boundary between them.
“I am deeply honored by this award and humbled by the caliber and breadth of the impressive list of its past recipients and the impact of their work,” said Dr. Wen.
To gain perspective on the magnitude of this award, it is helpful to note that present-day membership of AGU is over 35,000. Along with SBU Professor Don Weidner (a 1981 recipient), Prof. Wen allows the SBU Geosciences department to become one of very few to be able to claim two Macelwane awardees.
As part of the award, Prof. Wen will also be made a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, an honor restricted to no more than 0.1% of AGU members in any given year.
Prof. Wen received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1998 and held a Research Fellowship between 1998 and 2000 at the Carnegie Institution of Washington (Department of Terrestrial Magnetism). Dr. Wen has been a member of the Stony Brook faculty since 2000.
Further information about the Macelwane Medal can be found at the following web site: www.agu.org/inside/honors.html
