The NAS was signed into being by President Lincoln in 1863 and is dedicated to the advancement of science and technology. Every spring, the Academy elects members “in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research”. The formal nomination of a suggested candidate can be submitted only by an Academy member. Following a long nomination and evaluation process, the election itself is a series of complex successive ballots reflecting the rapid expansion of a multitude of scientific disciplines. This year 72 new members and 18 new foreign associates have been elected.
In September 2009 Susan Trumbore became member of the Max Planck Society and director of the department of Biogeochemical Processes at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena.
Her pioneering scientific achievements are in the application of radiocarbon to quantify and elucidate processes controlling the exchange of carbon between terrestrial plants, soils and the atmosphere. Her scientific contributions range from demonstrating the longevity of Amazonian trees to evaluating the potential of increased fire or permafrost thawing soil to act as a future CO2 source to the atmosphere.
Studying the role of soils in the global biogeochemical cycling of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide Susan Trumbore applies stable and radioisotope tracers to identify the major processes re-sponsible for production and consumption of these gases, and to determine which processes are prevailing at larger spatial scales. Prof. Trumbore is carrying out worldwide research in a large variety of environments, ranging from urban and suburban ecosystems in Southern California to boreal and temperate forests in Europe and the USA, and to tropical rainforest and savannah in South America and Africa.
Susan Trumbore worked at Accelerator Mass Spectrometry laboratories at the ETH-Zurich and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US where she developped sample preparation methods to increase scientific radiocarbon applications by means of smaller sample size and higher analysis throughput. At the University of California Irvine, she has contributed to develop one of the world’s leading centres for accelerator mass spectrometry.
During her scientific career Susan Trumbore has received numerous awards and scholarships whereas the newly accorded NAS membership is so far the most significant recognition of her outstanding scientific dedication.
On 28 April, staff and scientists at the MPI for Biogeochemistry organized a surprise champagne reception to honour the prestigious election of Susan Trumbore to the NAS.
Contact
Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
Hans-Knöll-Str. 10
07745 Jena
Germany
Phone: +49 3641 5760
Fax: +49 3641 5770
