Dr. Anny Cazenave: A globally recognized expert in satellite altimetry, Cazenave’s research has significantly contributed to our understanding of sea-level rise and its causes. As a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), her insights have shaped global climate assessments.
Dr. Sarah Parcak: Termed as a ‘space archaeologist’, Dr. Parcak utilizes satellite imagery to uncover ancient archaeological sites. Winner of the 2016 TED Prize, she’s advanced the use of remote sensing in archaeology.
Dr. John Reilly: A lead researcher at MIT’s Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, Reilly specializes in integrating satellite data into models to understand climate change impacts on agriculture, forests, and water resources.
Prof. Chris Justice: Holding a key role in NASA’s MODIS and VIIRS land data teams, Justice’s work has focused on global-scale monitoring of vegetation dynamics and wildfires using Earth observation.
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe: Awarded as one of the Earth observation community’s top young professionals, Nakalembe focuses on using satellite data for agricultural monitoring in Africa, assisting policymakers in food security and related decisions.
Dr. Josef Aschbacher: As the Director-General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Aschbacher is pivotal in guiding Europe’s space-based Earth observation efforts, especially the ambitious Copernicus program which is pivotal in environmental monitoring.
Dr. Barbara Ryan: Former Director of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Secretariat, Ryan’s leadership has facilitated international collaboration in Earth observations, promoting the idea that data about the Earth should be a public good.
Dr. Will Marshall: Co-founder and CEO of Planet Labs, Marshall’s pioneering work in deploying CubeSats for Earth observation has revolutionized the frequency and accessibility of satellite imagery, aiding sectors from agriculture to disaster response.
Prof. Penelope Boston: As a NASA astrobiologist, Boston explores caves and uses Earth observation technologies to study our planet’s most extreme environments, drawing parallels for potential life on other celestial bodies.
Dr. Sandra Cauffman: Acting Director of the Earth Science Division at NASA, Cauffman’s leadership ensures the continuous observation of Earth’s land, atmosphere, and oceans, helping understand the planet’s intricate systems and changes.
