CSU atmospheric scientists named AAAS Fellows

They help us understand the complexities of climate variability and change and how tiny particles in our atmosphere affect visibility and precipitation.

Jim Hurrell and Sonia Kreidenweis, atmospheric science faculty members at Colorado State University, have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, known as AAAS.

Hurrell is the Scott Presidential Chair of Environmental Science and Engineering; Kreidenweis is a University Distinguished Professor and member of the National Academy of Engineering. They join a 2025 class of nearly 500 scientists, engineers and innovators whose efforts to advance science applications are deemed “scientifically or socially distinguished.”

Honorees will be celebrated at a ceremony in May.

“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important services to their communities, said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. ”These Fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”

Jim Hurrell

Hurrell is an expert in climate variability and predictability. His research has provided fundamental insights into the mechanisms of climate change and its global impacts, particularly through his work on Earth system modeling and large-scale atmospheric patterns.  He has also helped establish CSU as a world leader in the emerging science of climate intervention. His interests lie at the intersection of weather and climate science, data science, human and animal health, agriculture and terrestrial ecology. Before joining CSU, Hurrell served as the director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Hurrell was honored for “distinguished contributions to the field of climate science and Earth system modeling, community leadership, and translating research outcomes into practical benefits for society.”

Sonia Kreidenweis

Kreidenweis is a pioneer in understanding the characterization of the physical, chemical and optical properties of atmospheric particulate matter. She joined CSU to initiate a new program in atmospheric chemistry in the Department of Atmospheric Science and during her career has studied topics that include visibility in U.S. national parks, the physics and chemistry of wildfire smoke, and how particles in the atmosphere interact with water vapor to form cloud drops and ice crystals, influencing the Earth’s radiation and water budgets. A recent focus has been on biological particles in the atmosphere and their impacts on clouds, precipitation, and ecosystems.

Kreidenweis was honored for “distinguished contributions to the field of atmospheric science, particularly for profound and sustained contributions to our understanding of atmospheric aerosols and their role in climate and air quality.”