Dr. Hanwant Singh Doad (Punjabi Rajput )
On August 2nd, 2018, Dr. Hanwant Singh received the NASA Agency Medal for Distinguished Service. For seminal contributions in understanding the Earth’s natural atmosphere and the global change resulting from human activities. During Dr. Singh’s 32-year career at NASA, he contributed major theoretical and experimental ideas to understanding the Earth’s natural atmosphere and the global change resulting from the impact of human activities. He led the advocacy, science definition, and implementation of NASA campaigns, including the Airborne Tropical Tropopause Experiment (2010-2015).
He was the first to demonstrate that select man-made chemicals could be used to determine the cleansing capacity of the global atmosphere and estimate how long a chemical will stay in the atmosphere before it is destroyed. He is also a member of a United Nations council to promote, organize, and coordinate international research efforts towards a cleaner and healthier world in less-developed countries. As an exemplary pioneer, his leadership and contributions to atmospheric science at NASA are unparalleled.
This is NASA’s highest form of recognition that is awarded to a Government employee who, by distinguished service, ability, or vision has personally contributed to NASA’s advancement of United States’ interests. The individual’s achievement or contribution must demonstrate a level of excellence that has made a profound or indelible impact on NASA mission success, and therefore, the contribution is so extraordinary that other forms of recognition by NASA would be inadequate.
In the photo (above) pictured alongside Dr. Hanwant Singh (center) is NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (left) and NASA Associate Administrator Steve Jurczyk (right) presenting the medal.