The leading scientific organization makes history with a new president

The American geophysical union elected its first black president. Agu is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world. While we are closing the month of black history, Dr. Brandon Jones is already denunciation On behalf of the AGU scientific community at a difficult period and by opening new paths for future scientists.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jones recently and I have known him for several years. We share the same fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and I was the second African-American president elected by the American Meteorological Society. Jones sat on the AGU board of directors in 2017 and was president -elect AGU during the 2023 T 2024 period.

What is the AGU anyway? His website noted: “AGU is an international non -profit scientific association whose mission is to promote discovery in earth science and space for the benefit of humanity.” The AGU is a pillar of scientific commitment, innovation and dissemination in several disciplines. In 2021, his black subscription was a little less than two percent.

Dr. Jones takes a diploma in biology from the University of Lincoln, Pennsylvania, a college and a historically black university. He also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in marine sciences from the University of Delaware. I have recovered a few questions about his objectives as president and the future of the AGU.

Dr Shepherd: What is your vision of the AGU right now and in the future?
Dr Jones: My vision is to help AGU continue to develop the elements of future adaptation and to maintain a posture of future preparation. As the largest professional society in the world for earth and space sciences, the AGU must focus on sustainability in a rapid social and political environment.

Dr Shepherd: Why is your historical realization so important personally and in an overview?
Dr Jones: When I was 7 or 8 years old, I had the vision of becoming an oceanographer. I did not know what it would imply, how long it would take or where I would finish. But I kept this vision and I was open to experiences and opportunities that made me move forward. Subsequently, I learned a little in this trip and now I am in this role of leadership as the first black president of the AGU. I am a product of opportunities that have been intentionally designed to expand access to science and I think that the return on investment of these efforts is undeniable.

Dr Shepherd: What thoughts do you have on the month of black history and its meaning?
Dr Jones: The evolution occurs when new information is used to continue relying on what preceded. A lack of awareness of the past weakens the substrate to which new information can be applied, which thus impacted the change necessary for survival. The month of the history of blacks is part of the information substrate that tells the whole truth of the history of this nation. Without this, the change is suffocated and national security is compromised.

It is an honor to call Dr. Jones a colleague and a friend. Like me, he understands the challenges and opportunities to come. Although I am sure to be proud to be a pioneer and a model, many of us hope that the days of the “first” decrease.