Early Career Achievement Medal - Michelle Gierach

This prestigious NASA medal is awarded to any Government employee for unusual and significant performance during the first 10 years of an individual’s early career (i.e., entry-level professional in a scientific, engineering, administrative professional or technical position) in support of the Agency.  Performance is characterized by unusual initiative or a creative achievement that clearly demonstrates a significant contribution in the individual’s discipline area that directly contributes to NASA’s mission and goals. The contribution is significant, in that, for an employee who is at such an early phase of career, the contribution has substantially improved the discipline area.

Michelle Gierach is a Lead Project Scientist for the PO.DAAC and scientist supporting the Oceans and Ice Group.

Dr. Gierach received her Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include application of satellite observations, in-situ data, and model simulations to study biophysical interactions, ecosystem dynamics, air-sea interactions, ocean dynamics, atmospheric processes, and the oceans relation to climate variability.