The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Advisory Council has a new Chair. Ellen Kappel, who has been a member of the council for four years, is taking the reins from Bruce Bailey, who joined the group as a founding member in 2008.
Kappel earned her undergraduate degree in geology from Cornell in 1980 and her Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics in 1985 from Columbia University. Her career includes twelve years as an associate director for the Ocean Drilling Programs at Joint Oceanographic Institutions, 24 years as founder and president of Geosciences Professional Services, Inc., and twenty years as editor of The Oceanography Society’s journal, Oceanography.
In a recent conversation Kappel has said that she views the role of the EAS Advisory Council as one of support for the Chair and the department in their mission and goals. “Much of my career has been focused on science communications,” Kappel said, “and a major goal for the department right now is communicating to potential students the many ways in which Earth and atmospheric scientists contribute vital knowledge of our planet, and in particular why students should strongly consider majoring in EAS. In my new role as Chair of the Advisory Council, I look forward to working with Geoff Abers and faculty to help achieve this goal.”
Outgoing Chair Bruce Bailey has said that the Advisory Council advocates both within the University and in the larger external Cornell community and makes a point of networking with deans, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. They also facilitate student internship and career connections. He believes Ellen Kappel is an excellent fit for her new role. “Ellen has been a steady and active presence on the Council since she joined in 2019,” Bailey said. “She’s universally respected and is well-networked. She’s passionate about maintaining and reinforcing the Department’s status as one of the best in the country.”
EAS Department Chair Geoff Abers said, “I am very much looking forward to working with Ellen in the leadership of the Advisory Council, and greatly appreciate Bruce’s stewardship over the last several years.” By charter, the EAS Advisory Council meets at least twice per year. The next scheduled in-person meeting will take place sometime in October, 2023.
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