Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, who holds the Falasco Chair in Earth Sciences and Geology and is associate dean of the graduate division at the University of California, Merced, received the Joanne Simpson Medal for Mid-Career Scientists from the American Geophysical Union.
The American Geophysical Union is the largest professional society for Earth scientists globally and includes more than 62,000 members spanning 144 countries. The society was founded in the early 1900s and focuses on four fundamental areas: atmospheric and ocean sciences; solid-earth sciences; hydrologic sciences; and space sciences. The Joanne Simpson Medal is given to “exceptional mid-career scientists who have made transformative scientific advances or breakthroughs in the Earth and space sciences, demonstrated strong leadership, and provided outstanding service to science and society.”
Professor Berhe’s research is broadly focused on soil science and global change science. The main goal of her research is to understand the effect of changing environmental conditions on vital soil processes.
Professor Berhe is a graduate of the University of Asmara in Eritrea. She holds a master’s degree from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.