Jessica McCarty, a Department of Geographical Sciences Ph.D. alum, has been named Chief of the Biospheric Science Branch at NASA Ames. McCarty, currently an Associate Professor of Geography at Miami University, has over 15 years of experience using remote sensing and geospatial science to study fires, food security, and land-cover/land-use change.

“I have a feeling [Jessica] will continue her work with fire in the framework of the new NASA FireSense initiative, to bring an Earth systems approach to improving wildfire and wildland fire management,” said Chris Justice, professor of geographical sciences and McCarty’s Ph.D. advisor. “I wish her well with her new position at NASA Ames.”

Researchers in the Biospheric Science Branch—part of the Earth Science Division of NASA Ames—use remote sensing, modeling, and spatial analysis tools and technology to study how biospheric and ecosystem processes are changing as a result of climate change and land cover and land use change. 

The Department is proud of Dr. McCarty’s achievement and wishes her good luck in her new role with NASA!