Torn, a biogeochemist, is honored for her innovative research on climate change and the terrestrial carbon cycle. She is one of four researchers from DOE's Office of Science and three from the Department's Office of Defense Programs to receive this year's award, among a total of 57 recipients from eight government agencies. The award is given annually to honor and support the extraordinary achievements of young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers.
"The work of these young scientists and engineers is an excellent example of the kind of innovative and forward-looking research that our nation needs to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century," said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. "Their work will help to contribute to our energy security and independence far into the future."
"Margaret brings distinction to Berkeley Lab and to its program in climate change and carbon management," said Laboratory Director Steve Chu. "The work of her and her colleagues will be critical as the world confronts the challenges of developing a carbon-neutral, sustainable energy economy in the coming years. In addition, one of the questions she is addressing -- the role of feedback mechanisms -- lies at the heart of how we can accurately predict climate change."
Of her research, Torn says, "Most important, I am working to characterize the feedbacks between climate change and ecosystems -- as sources and sinks of greenhouse gases and how the surface of the land affects things like albedo," the degree to whi
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Contact: Paul Preuss
paul_preuss@lbl.gov
510-486-6249
DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
9-Sep-2004