[Senate Hearing 115-892]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 115-892
NOMINATIONS TO THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY, THE NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION,
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
__________
AUGUST 23, 2018
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
_______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
58-442 PDF WASHINGTON : 2025
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota, Chairman
ROGER WICKER, Mississippi BILL NELSON, Florida, Ranking
ROY BLUNT, Missouri MARIA CANTWELL, Washington
TED CRUZ, Texas AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
DEAN HELLER, Nevada TOM UDALL, New Mexico
JAMES INHOFE, Oklahoma GARY PETERS, Michigan
MIKE LEE, Utah TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire
CORY GARDNER, Colorado CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada
TODD YOUNG, Indiana JON TESTER, Montana
Nick Rossi, Staff Director
Adrian Arnakis, Deputy Staff Director
Jason Van Beek, General Counsel
Kim Lipsky, Democratic Staff Director
Chris Day, Democratic Deputy Staff Director
Renae Black, Senior Counsel
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Hearing held on August 23, 2018.................................. 1
Statement of Senator Thune....................................... 1
Support letters for Dr. Kelvin K. Drogemeier submitted by
Hon. John Thune............................................ 126
Statement of Senator Nelson...................................... 5
Prepared statement of Hon. Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senator from
Vermont.................................................... 5
Statement of Senator Inhofe...................................... 8
Statement of Senator Wicker...................................... 90
Statement of Senator Gardner..................................... 90
Statement of Senator Udall....................................... 95
Statement of Senator Hassan...................................... 97
Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 99
Statement of Senator Cortez Masto................................ 101
Statement of Senator Blumenthal.................................. 103
Union of Concerned Scientists Survey......................... 106
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 118
Statement of Senator Lee......................................... 119
Witnesses
Hon. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator from Kentucky................. 3
Hon. Ray LaHood, Former Secretary, U.S. Department of
Transportation................................................. 4
Hon. James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma.................. 7
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Nominee to be Director, Office of
Science and Technology Policy.................................. 9
Prepared statement........................................... 11
Biographical information..................................... 12
James W. Morhard, Nominee for Deputy Administrator, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration........................... 69
Prepared statement........................................... 70
Biographical information..................................... 71
Joel Szabat, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs, Department of Transportation............ 79
Prepared statement........................................... 80
Biographical information..................................... 81
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Dr. Kelvin K.
Droegemeier by:
Hon. John Thune.............................................. 145
Hon. Jim Inhofe.............................................. 145
Hon. Todd Young.............................................. 145
Hon. Bill Nelson............................................. 147
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 148
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 149
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 152
Hon. Maggie Hassan........................................... 155
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 155
Hon. Jon Tester.............................................. 157
Response to written questions submitted to James W. Morhard by:
Hon. Deb Fischer............................................. 158
Hon. Jim Inhofe.............................................. 158
Hon. Bill Nelson............................................. 159
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 159
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 160
Hon. Jon Tester.............................................. 161
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 161
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 162
Response to written questions submitted to Joel Szabat by:
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 163
Hon. Deb Fischer............................................. 165
Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto.................................. 165
Hon. Brian Schatz............................................ 167
Hon. Maggie Hassan........................................... 167
Hon. Tom Udall............................................... 168
Hon. Jon Tester.............................................. 168
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 170
NOMINATIONS TO THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY, THE NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION,
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
----------
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:15 a.m. in
room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. John Thune,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Thune [presiding], Nelson, McConnell,
Lankford, Inhofe, Wicker, Gardner, Udall, Hassan, Markey,
Cortez Masto, Blumenthal, Cruz, and Lee.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN THUNE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM SOUTH DAKOTA
The Chairman. Good morning. Thank you all for being here
this morning. We'll begin the hearing. We have a couple of our
colleagues who are going to be here today to introduce a couple
of the nominees and we also have a couple of votes coming up
here before too long, but we'll try and roll through those and
get this process rolling for these terrific nominees.
I want to welcome our distinguished panel to today's
hearing. We're going to be considering the nominations of Dr.
Kelvin Droegemeier to be the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy; Mr. Jim Morhard to be the Deputy
Administrator of NASA; and Mr. Joel Szabat to be Assistant
Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International
Affairs.
I also want to thank Leader McConnell, Senators Lankford
and Inhofe, and Secretary LaHood for being here today, to
provide introductions for the nominees, and I'd like to welcome
the nominees' families and friends who are joining us here
today, as well.
Dr. Droegemeier's an accomplished scientist, has an
extensive background in academia as well as public service at
the Federal and state levels and should he be confirmed, he
will advise the President on scientific, engineering, and
technological aspects of major policies across the Federal
Government.
Dr. Droegemeier's scientific background is predominantly in
atmospheric science and weather prediction, receiving his
Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from the University of
Oklahoma and his Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from the
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Currently, he serves as the Vice President for Research,
the Weather News Chair Emeritus of Applied Meteorology, and the
Director Emeritus of the Center for Analysis and Prediction of
Storms at his alma mater, University of Oklahoma.
In addition, he also serves on the Oklahoma Governor's
Science and Technology Council and is the Governor's Cabinet
Secretary of Science and Technology.
Dr. Droegemeier is well known to the Senate Commerce
Committee. He previously worked with us as we developed the
bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act when he
testified before the Committee to make policy recommendations
and notably said that we had, and I quote, ``made science
bipartisan again.''
He has also previously testified before the Committee
regarding science and the U.S. economy and on hurricane
research.
Dr. Droegemeier has twice been confirmed by the U.S.
Senate, each time by voice vote. The first time as a Bush
nominee and the second as an Obama nominee to the National
Science Board, serving his last term as Vice Chairman.
Dr. Droegemeier is eminently well qualified to lead the
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and I look
forward to the Senate confirming him quickly to this position
which has been vacant since January 2017.
Jim Morhard is also well known to many of us, having spent
25 years working in the U.S. Senate in numerous capacities.
Mr. Morhard currently serves as the Deputy Sergeant at Arms
but prior to this role, Mr. Morhard served as the Staff
Director of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In that
position, he helped to develop and negotiate multiple
appropriations bills, which included funding for space flight,
spacecraft control, and NASA communications.
As a testament to his reputation on the Senate
Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy has submitted a letter
of support for Mr. Morhard's nomination in which he says, and I
quote, ``Based on my experience with Jim on the Appropriations
Committee, if confirmed, NASA can expect to have a deputy
administrator who will push an agenda of common sense and cost-
effective solutions.''
Mr. Morhard's reputation for bipartisanship, deep knowledge
and experience in the Federal budget and appropriations process
as well as his experience in managing large organizations will
undoubtedly serve NASA well, and I look forward to supporting
his nomination.
Finally, Mr. Szabat has a distinguished and lengthy career
in the Federal Government, particularly at the Department of
Transportation (DOT), that makes him uniquely qualified for the
position to which he's been nominated.
Mr. Szabat currently serves as the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs and has been
fulfilling the responsibilities of the position to which he's
been nominated since January 2018.
If confirmed, one of his primary responsibilities will be
to develop policies to improve air service and access to the
commercial aviation system for small and rural communities,
like Aberdeen Pier and Watertown in my home state of South
Dakota.
As I've noted, we're honored to be joined today by our
former colleague and the former Secretary of Transportation,
Ray LaHood.
Ray, welcome, good to have you back. Secretary LaHood is
well known to this Committee as a bipartisan problem-solver and
his willingness to appear on behalf of Mr. Szabat with whom he
worked at the department speaks volumes about the nominee's
qualifications.
As I've noted, all three of the nominees before the
Committee today are exceptionally well qualified for the
positions to which they've been nominated and, if confirmed,
will have an extraordinary opportunity to advance American
progress in science, space, and transportation.
So, once again, I would like to thank all of you for your
willingness to serve in these important jobs, and I'll now
recognize our Ranking Member, Senator Nelson, for his opening
remarks.
Senator Nelson.
Senator Nelson. Mr. Chairman, I think it would be
appropriate for me to defer my remarks until after the Majority
Leader and the Secretary, so they can get on with their duties.
The Chairman. Very good. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
We are very fortunate today to be joined by our
distinguished Majority Leader, Senator McConnell, and I want to
recognize him to introduce Mr. Morhard.
Mr. Leader, welcome.
STATEMENT OF HON. MITCH McCONNELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM KENTUCKY
Senator McConnell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Senator Nelson.
I appreciate the opportunity to be here to introduce the
distinguished public servant that we're all quite familiar
with. We know a lot about the Jim Morhard brand of leadership,
talent, dedication, patriotic commitment to excellence, the
ability to set the bar high, meet it, and then raise it even
higher.
We'll all be sorry to lose our Deputy Sergeant At Arms but
it's actually for a good cause. Jim is completely qualified and
uniquely prepared to serve as second-in-command at an agency as
crucial as NASA.
So let's talk about subject matter expertise. One of the
many impressive stations on Jim's resume is six years as Clerk
of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
State, Judiciary, and Related Agencies. He was the point person
on funding NASA and the scientific community, charged with
strategically resourcing these agencies while also avoiding a
culture of self-justifying spending growth.
Jim so mastered this role that he was subsequently asked to
serve as Committee Chief of Staff. Mastery of the budgeting and
legislative process, you can check that off. Directing a large
staff, you can check that, as well. Skillful relationship-
building at the highest levels of both Congress and the
executive branch, check that off, too, and, of course, as
Deputy Senate Sergeant at Arms, Jim has spent four years
demonstrating even further capacity to lead a large
multifaceted workforce while growing a culture of diligence,
responsiveness, and service.
I can attest personally to Jim's emphasis on safety and
security. Of course, those are critical subjects at NASA, and
they could not be more personal to this nominee.
Most of us know the remarkable story. Jim survived the 2010
plane crash in Alaska that claimed five lives, including our
late friend, Senator Ted Stevens. The impact of the crash
temporarily trapped Jim in his seat, but his leadership poured
into those around him, encouraging his fellow survivors and
leading them in prayer.
I understand Jim took more than a commitment to safety and
security, as you can imagine, away from that tragedy. He's
explained that his miraculous survival drove a renewed sense of
personal faith and professional purpose alike.
As he explained in a speech at his alma mater a few years
ago, we need to maximize our time here helping others. In
short, Jim is a passionate and public servant who possesses
precisely the unique combination of skills this position
requires.
Specific expertise in what NASA does, demonstrated
excellence in managing complicated government organizations,
and a passion for ensuring that America leads in space
exploration.
So, Mr. Chairman and Senator Nelson, thank you for the
opportunity to come by and say some words on behalf of this
really good man, and I hope he enjoys the support of the
Committee.
The Chairman. Thank you, Leader McConnell, very much for
that very compelling testimonial, and obviously many of us have
known Mr. Morhard well from his many years of experience here
on Capitol Hill, in addition to his other accomplishments and
experience.
I now want to recognize Secretary Ray LaHood, who is here
and wants to make some remarks and introduce one of our other
nominees, Mr. Joel Szabat.
STATEMENT OF HON. RAY LaHOOD, FORMER SECRETARY, U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
Secretary LaHood. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's good to be
back. I spent a few hours before this Committee previously, and
I enjoyed a wonderful relationship with many of the Members of
this Committee, and thank you for your service and your support
for DOT while we were in service there.
I'm here today to introduce Joel Szabat, who has been
nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Aviation and
International Affairs at the Department of Transportation.
Joel has been an exemplary leader in Federal service for
over 25 years. He's an excellent manager and proven problem-
solver.
I first met Joel in the early 2009 period when he was the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy. He was
DOT's Federal officer responsible for implementing the Recovery
Act, and let me just say a word about that.
As many of you remember, DOT received $48 billion in the
Recovery Act. All of that money was spent properly. There were
no bad stories, no boondoggles, no earmarks, no sweetheart
deals, and Joel stepped in and did this as a career employee
before a lot of our political appointees were appointed, and he
did really, really good work and was a great team leader and a
great member of our team.
Joel also helped manage the development and administration
of the first round of TIGER, which I know is a very popular
program, been renamed now, but still very popular in the
Senate. It is for this dedication that Joel received the
Presidential Meritorious Rank Award in 2012.
I'm also very proud of the work that Joel did as Executive
Director of the Maritime Administration and in particular I
appreciate his leadership and dedication to the men and women
at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, which was a very
high priority for the Obama Administration.
As you can see by his record, Joel is motivated by a spirit
of public service and I believe he will do an outstanding job
and he does have the very strong support of Secretary Chao, who
is also one who encouraged him to really seek this appointment,
and so I urge the Committee to support Joel. I know he'll do a
great job, and I know that he will be very responsive to this
Committee and to all Members of Congress.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Secretary LaHood, very much for
coming here and giving your voice to support this terrific
nominee, and we appreciate, as always, your many contributions
to public service, both as a member of the House of
Representatives and as our Secretary of Transportation.
Senator Nelson, I will now recognize you for an opening
statement.
STATEMENT OF HON. BILL NELSON,
U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
Senator Nelson. OK. The three panelists today, gentlemen,
welcome, congratulations on your nominations. Thank you for
your willingness to serve.
Mr. Morhard, after your confirmation, your experience
managing, as the Majority Leader said, critical security
activities in the Senate and also complex activities, it's
going to come in handy at NASA, as will your experience in
reviewing programs and negotiating budgets in the Senate
Appropriations Committee.
Mr. Chairman, Senator Leahy wanted to be here today to
introduce Mr. Morhard, also. Senator Leahy has a conflict. So
I'd ask unanimous consent that the introduction of Mr. Morhard
be included in the record.
The Chairman. Without objection.
[The statement from Senator Leahy follows:]
Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Introducing James Morhard,
Nominee to be Deputy Administrator of NASA
Mr. Chairman, Senator Nelson, and members of the Commerce
Committee, I am pleased as Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations
Committee to add my introduction for the record of James Morhard for
Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA). The Senate Appropriations Committee is one of
the great institutional pillars of the Senate. It is a place where
practical bipartisanship and effective, sensible solutions are the
guiding ethos. As a clerk and later as Staff Director, Jim played an
important role in maintaining that tradition, and I believe he will
approach his job with that same ethos at NASA.
Jim came to the Senate Appropriations Committee from the Navy's
Office of the Comptroller. Working for what was then the Subcommittee
on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies,
Jim was known as someone that mastered the ins and outs of the Federal
budget for Senator Ted Stevens, who chaired the Committee at the time.
Senator Stevens believed that the Appropriations Committee was a place
where good ideas rather than political party should carry the day, and
Jim was an instrument of that philosophy as clerk.
It was during Jim's time and in the bill under Jim's purview that
we first funded the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a
Department of Justice grant program I was proud to author with former
Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, and one that has saved lives in the 20
years since it was first authorized. Jim saw the promise of this
bipartisan initiative, recognized it was above politics, and fought to
provide meaningful funding for it. That is the bipartisan approach that
was the hallmark of the appropriations process then; it's a hallmark we
are working to restore now.
When he became staff director for the full Committee, Jim continued
its honored bipartisan tradition and was known for his professionalism.
What mattered most in the massive deliberations surrounding funding the
discretionary budget continued to be finding the most practical
solution, regardless of party or politics.
Based on my experience with Jim on the Appropriations Committee, if
confirmed, NASA can expect to have a Deputy Administrator who will push
an agenda of common sense and cost-effective solutions. I know based on
his work in the Senate that he will be open to ideas from all comers,
and will seek out detailed input from scientists and respected experts.
He will make decisions with an eye towards the long-term benefit of our
Nation and the many important missions at NASA.
Senator Nelson. Mr. Morhard, the lives of a lot of people,
including the astronauts, and the success of some of the most
ambitious science missions will depend on you and Administrator
Bridenstein's ability to run the agency and to seek the expert
scientific and technical people to advise you.
If confirmed, I would certainly urge upon you to seek out
the counsel of career NASA professionals, such as Bill
Gerstenmeier and also Bob Cabana.
We're also going to consider the nomination of Dr. Kelvin
Droegemeier to be the Director of the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy, otherwise the President's
science advisor.
There's certainly no question, Doctor, as to your
qualifications. Indeed, Norm Augustine and Neal Lane wrote the
Committee saying you would be an outstanding science advisor in
any administration and that's a pretty good endorsement from
some heavyweight people.
On a personal note, Dr. Droegemeier, your work on extreme
weather is, of course, very important to the country. It's
important to the people of Hawaii today as a Cat 4 closes in.
It's certainly very important to the people of my state, but
we're finding extreme weather all across the country, and we
see it every night on the news. So I appreciate your working
with this Committee to improve ways to get people to respond to
this extreme weather that is happening.
And, if confirmed, you have a tough task ahead of you, but
I think a lot of us on this Committee are going to be happy
that you're the White House science advisor.
And, Mr. Szabat, recommendation coming from the former
Secretary is certainly a long way. He is held in high regard in
this Committee. In DOT, the office that you would be heading
covers a wide array of aviation matters important to Members of
this Committee and throughout the Congress.
I appreciate your many years of public service, including
your service in the military, and we look forward to working
with you, especially as we move an FAA reauthorization bill in
the near future.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
We are now joined by our colleague, Senator Lankford, and
he is here, along with the Senior Senator from Oklahoma, a
member of this panel, to introduce Mr. Droegemeier.
Senator Lankford, welcome.
STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES LANKFORD,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OKLAHOMA
Senator Lankford. Thank you.
It's an absolute honor to be able to be here, as well, and
to be able to speak for Kelvin Droegemeier.
I'll make just a brief short statement on his behalf
because I know you all have a lot of important business to be
able to do but just to be able to give you some context on
this.
Dr. Droegemeier has served the science and engineering,
research and education communities at the national level for
more than 25 years. He was nominated by President George W.
Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He served six years in
the National Science Board, the governing body of the National
Science Foundation. It also provides science policy guidance to
the Congress and the President.
Dr. Droegemeier was renominated by President Obama and
again confirmed by the Senate, serving a second six-year term
on the National Science Board, the last four years as the Vice
Chairman.
He took the University of Oklahoma and the research
facilities and what was happening there when he was Vice
President to Carnegie R-1 status, which is the top status.
He has an impressive record that I'm sure you have seen,
have had the opportunity to be able to go through and see the
research, to see his background. One of the most impressive
statements I think that you'll get from him is science has no
politics. Science is just science. It's just the facts that
you're looking at.
So the key thing that he really brings to this is not only
his extensive background, his experience working with the
government, with Congress and with the White House in the past
giving science recommendations, obviously the work that he has
done in weather and climates for decades now, but he is just an
honorable individual that I think you'll enjoy getting a chance
to get to know not only his science background but his personal
and his family background, as well.
It's interesting to see, if you've gone through his
extensive resume and background, to be able to see backgrounds
with all these different awards, all these different published
articles, all these things that he has done over the years, but
right in the middle of it, he also has listed as one of his
honors and awards head usher at his church, which again shows
the humanity of saying there are a lot of things that you can
do in personal life and that you can be engaged in and to be
able to keep life in perspective, as well, and to be able to
say all these are areas just to be able to serve people and to
be able to find ways to do that.
So I hope you enjoy the dialogue with him. I wholeheartedly
support his nomination, as well, and look forward to getting a
chance to vote on him on the Floor in the days ahead.
Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Lankford for joining us
today and voicing your support of this terrific nominee and, of
course, as I mentioned, the Senior Senator from Oklahoma and
somebody who is a distinguished leader on all these issues that
come in front of our Committee is also here and, Jim, I'm going
to recognize Senator Inhofe to make some opening comments, too,
with regard to Dr. Droegemeier.
STATEMENT OF HON. JIM INHOFE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OKLAHOMA
Senator Inhofe. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate
that.
Senator Lankford and I were fighting to see who could
introduce you and so we're both introducing you, and I think he
said it all very well.
I think all we need to know about Kelvin Droegemeier is
that he's the one responsible for saving so many lives in
Oklahoma. You know, I'm old enough and I've been around long
enough to remember we're a tornado state. We have tornadoes.
They are devastating, and I can remember when we had virtually
no warning. We didn't really know, have any advance warning
when things were taking place, and now because of what he has
done, we have minutes and sometimes hours to warn people to
take cover because of the impending severe weather.
If that's not impressive enough, the company he created
employs a hundred people and has had a $350 million impact on
our state of Oklahoma.
Now he knows science. He knows business. He's a celebrity.
He may not know that he's a celebrity but he is. I mean, look
at him.
[Laughter.]
Senator Inhofe. He's got a great smile but he is a
celebrity.
In 1978, he was on the classic television thing called In
Search Of. It was a science television series narrated by
Leonard Nimoy where he was featured for his expertise on
tornadoes. So he knows his stuff. He's going to be doing a
great job, and, in addition to just being eminently qualified,
there's no one in America that's better qualified for this
position than he is, Democrats and Republicans alike agree with
that, but I just want to add that, in addition to being
eminently qualified, he is famous, he's fun, and he's
entertaining.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. All right. That's a pretty glowing
endorsement, I'd say, right there. So thank you, Senator
Inhofe.
I'm going to invite the nominees to come forward, Dr.
Droegemeier, Mr. Jim Morhard, and Mr. Joel Szabat, and look
forward to hearing your opening statements. If you can, confine
them as close to 5 minutes as possible. Make sure your entire
statements are included as part of the written hearing record,
and then it'll give us an opportunity to ask some questions.
So we'll start on my left and your right with Dr.
Droegemeier. So I look forward to hearing from you. Please
proceed.
STATEMENT OF DR. KELVIN K. DROEGEMEIER,
NOMINEE TO BE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Dr. Droegemeier. Thank you very much, Chairman Thune. Thank
you, Senator Inhofe. Ranking Member Nelson, thank you, as well,
and Members of the Committee.
I am truly honored absolutely beyond words to appear before
you today as President Trump's Nominee of the Director of
Science and Technology Policy.
I'm also pleased my wife of 35 years, Lisa, is just behind
me there that she could join me along with lots of wonderful
friends who've truly blessed my life throughout the years.
I was born in Kansas and at age 19, I went storm-chasing in
the Texas Panhandle and saw my first tornado up close and
personal. It was a pretty big experience and I know the power
and the majesty of that awesome power really fueled my interest
in meteorology, which was the focus of my undergraduate studies
at the University of Oklahoma.
I then went on, as you heard, and earned a master's and
doctoral degrees at the University of Illinois at Champaign-
Urbana in Atmospheric Science.
I then returned to OU to begin my career as a researcher
and an educator. My work has focused on using data to improve
forecasts, giving people, as Senator Inhofe said, more time to
find shelter when they're threatened by extreme weather events
and unpredictable storms that really we feel are quite, quite
dangerous. I later started a weather technology company based
upon that work.
I am a scientist and I'm a storm-chaser and I'm an educator
and as many of you know and you've heard, I have a fair bit of
experience in science policy, having twice been nominated by
the President and confirmed by the Senate for service on the
National Science Board, first under President George W. Bush
and then later under President Barack Obama.
In addition to having served as Vice President for Research
at my institution, the University of Oklahoma, I also serve, as
you heard, as Oklahoma's Cabinet Secretary of Science and
Technology in the Cabinet of Governor Mary Fallin.
You know, we live in a time of absolutely extraordinary
possibilities. The pace of discovery is accelerating and the
global science and engineering ecosystem is rife with both
competition and opportunities for cooperation.
I was privileged to speak both of those sentences here in
this room to this Committee two years ago when I testified
about the amazingly bipartisan and wonderful American
Innovation and Competitiveness Act, AICA.
I want to thank all of you, Senators Peters and Gardner,
also, for including me in the listening sessions and allowing
me to be part of that wonderful process.
Now today, I appear before you again but with an even
greater privilege and responsibility, to discuss the
possibility with you of serving as the OSTP Director.
I would be absolutely honored to take on the challenge of
ensuring American leadership in our science and technology
enterprise, which for decades has contributed to our success
and our prosperity, but what I really love the most about OSTP
is that it measures its success not by what it does but,
rather, by the extent to which America succeeds because of it.
Our nation today faces great challenges, no question about
that, but no challenge is beyond our reach and science and
technology are time-tested and powerful pathways toward
solutions.
If confirmed, I will work closely with this committee, with
other Members of Congress, with my colleagues throughout the
Federal Government and the academic and private sector
enterprises to ensure robust American leadership in science and
technology.
I also would like to highlight just a few areas that would
include, for example, a coordinated and comprehensive portfolio
of Federal science and technology initiatives across the whole
of government, everything from fundamental research that is
commercially risky but really must be funded, an important role
of the government, to applied R&D that brings these research
outcomes to market.
Second, an education framework to produce a capable and
diverse workforce that is absolutely critical to America's
future, all the way from K-12 schools to career techs to
colleges, 4-year colleges, and American preeminent research
universities, the entire ecosystem.
And, finally, new initiatives and new models of public-
private partnerships to move scientific research outcomes from
the bench and the lab into the economy creating jobs and
building the wealth of Americans.
There are an increasing number of threats to science and
technology in America. I think you're all aware of that.
Unnecessary regulatory burden stifle some of our best and
brightest researchers, and it's clear that international
competition is rising very rapidly, especially from China.
Now China has the wealth and the expressed desire to
challenge our important leadership, our longstanding
leadership. We have to recognize that challenge, but we also
must embrace the value of collaboration.
Now global research is not a zero sum game and so all
progress is valuable, but American leadership ensures that
American values remain at the forefront of technological
development.
We are in fact in a time of unprecedented opportunity. The
tools and technologies and research capabilities of this
country are absolutely unmatched in the world, and our
scientists and engineers enjoy something very, very unique and
that is unprecedented freedom to explore the boundaries of
what's possible in their creative minds.
But we must not simply be comfortable simply to maintain.
We must accelerate our progress through more effective
planning, strategic investments, and by eliminating barriers
that unnecessarily hinder us without sacrificing our
fundamental freedoms.
If I am confirmed as OSTP Director, I pledge to work with
all of you to help safeguard America's national and economic
security for generations to come.
Thank you very much.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Dr.
Droegemeier follow:]
Prepared Statement of Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Nominee to be
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and Members of the
Committee: I am truly honored beyond words to appear before you today
as President Trump's nominee as Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP). I am pleased my wife of 35 years, Lisa, could
join me, along with several wonderful friends and supporters who bless
my life daily.
I was born in Kansas and at age 19 I witnessed my first tornado up
close and personal in the Texas panhandle. The power and majesty of
that incredible natural force fueled my interest in meteorology, the
focus of my undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, OU. I
earned M.S. and doctorate degrees in atmospheric science at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
I returned to OU to begin my career as a researcher and educator.
My work has focused on using data to improve forecasts, giving people
more time to find shelter when threatened by extremely violent and
previously unpredictable storms. I later started a weather technology
company based on that work.
I am a scientist, I am a storm chaser, and I am an educator. As
many of you may know, I have a fair bit of experience in science
policy, too, having been twice nominated by the President and confirmed
by the Senate to the National Science Board, under Presidents George W.
Bush, and Barack Obama. In addition to having served as Vice President
for Research at OU, I also serve as Oklahoma's Secretary of Science and
Technology in the Cabinet of Governor Mary Fallin.
``We live in a time of extraordinary possibilities. The pace of
discovery is accelerating, and the global science and engineering
ecosystem is rife with both competition and opportunities for
cooperation.'' I was privileged to speak those two sentences to this
Committee two years ago in testimony about the wonderfully bipartisan
American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA.)
Today I appear before you again, but with an even greater privilege
and responsibility--to discuss the possibility of serving as OSTP
Director. I would be honored to take on the challenge of ensuring
continued American leadership in science and technology, which for
decades has contributed to our success and prosperity. What I love most
about OSTP is that it measures its success not by what it does, but
rather by the extent to which America succeeds because of it.
Our Nation today faces great challenges. Yet no challenge is beyond
our reach, and science and technology are time tested and powerful
pathways towards solutions.
If confirmed, I will work closely with this Committee, other
members of Congress, my colleagues throughout the Federal government as
well as in academia and industry, to ensure robust American leadership
across the science and technology enterprise. A few areas of particular
focus include:
A coordinated and comprehensive portfolio of Federal science
and technology initiatives across the whole of government. This
covers everything from fundamental research that is
commercially risky but potentially transformative, to applied
R&D further downstream.
Second, an education framework to produce a capable and
diverse workforce essential to America's future, covering K-12
schools, career techs, two-and four-year colleges, and
America's pre-eminent research universities.
Finally, initiatives and new models of public-academic-
private partnerships that move scientific research outcomes out
of the lab and into the economy more quickly and efficiently.
There are an increasing number of threats to S&T in America.
Unnecessary regulatory burdens stifle our best and brightest
researchers, It is clear international competition is rising rapidly,
especially from China. China has the wealth and expressed desire to
challenge our longstanding leadership. We must recognize that challenge
but we must also embrace the value of collaboration. Global research is
not a zero-sum game, and all progress is valuable. But American
leadership ensures that American values remain at the forefront of
technological development.
We are in a time of unprecedented opportunity. The tools,
technologies, and research capabilities of the United States remain
unmatched in the world. Our scientists and engineers enjoy
unprecedented freedom to explore the boundaries of what's possible.
But we must not simply be comfortable to maintain. We must
accelerate our progress through more effective planning, strategic
investments, and by eliminating barriers that unnecessarily hinder us
without sacrificing our fundamental freedoms. If I am confirmed as OSTP
Director, I pledge to work with all of you to help safeguard America's
national and economic security for generations to come.
Thank you very much.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Kelvin Kay
Droegemeier.
2. Position to which nominated: Director, Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP).
3. Date of Nomination: August 1, 2018.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 201 Stephenson Parkway, Suite 3100, Norman, Oklahoma
73019.
5. Date and Place of Birth: 23 September 1958; Ellsworth, Kansas
USA.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse (Lisa Kim Droegemeier) is an uncompensated badged
volunteer at Life Church South Oklahoma City Campus in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma.
No children.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
B.S. in Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 1980.
M.S. in Atmospheric Science, University of Illinois at Urbana
Champaign, 1982.
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign, 1985.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
University of Oklahoma
Assistant Professor of Meteorology 1985-1991.
Co-Founder and Deputy Director for Research, NSF Science and
Technology Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms 1989-
1991.
Deputy Director, NSF Science and Technology Center for Analysis
and Prediction of Storms 1991-1992.
Director of Model Development Program, NSF Science and
Technology Center For Analysis and Prediction of Storms 1989-
1994.
Associate Professor of Meteorology 1991-1996.
Visiting Senior Fellow (Sabbatical), Army High Performance
Computing Research Center, University of Minnesota (1992).
Director, NSF Science and Technology Center for Analysis and
Prediction of Storms 1994-2006.
Director, Environmental Computing Applications System 1996-
2001.
Professor of Meteorology 1996 to present.
OU Associates Foundation Presidential Professor, 1998-2002
Regents' Professor 2001 to present.
Deputy Director, NSF Science and Technology Center for
Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere 2003-2008.
Roger and Sherry Teigen Presidential Professor, 2004 to
present.
Associate Vice President for Research 2005-2009.
Director, Sasaki Institute, 2005-2009.
Weathernews Chair in Applied Meteorology, 2005-2009.
Director Emeritus, NSF Science and Technology Center for
Analysis and Prediction of Storms 2006 to present.
Vice President for Research 2009-Present; Weathernews Chair
Emeritus 2009 to present.
National Science Board (Special Government Employee)
Member, 2004-2010; 2011-2016.
Vice Chairman 2012-2016.
State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet Secretary of Science and Technology
(Uncompensated Position), 2017 to present.
Professional Consulting
Private Professional Consultant for Aviation Weather and
Commercial Aircraft Accidents (1989 to present).
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
A copy is attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years.
Member, Board of Directors, Norman, Oklahoma Chamber of
Commerce (2003-2006; 2009-2012)
Member, Board of Trustees, Riverside Church, Norman,
Oklahoma (2007-2009)
Elder, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2009-2010)
Board of Directors, National Weather Museum and Science
Center (2009-2017)
Council Member for American Meteorological Society (2004-
2008)
Member of Oklahoma EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research) Committee (2007 to present)
Member of Search Committee for Director, National Center for
Atmospheric Research (NCAR) (2008)
Chair, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
(UCAR) Review Panel for the NOAA (National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration) Aviation Weather Center, Storm
Prediction Center, Environmental Modeling Center, NCEP
(National Centers for Environmental Prediction) Central
Operations (2008-2009)
Member, Board of Directors, Council on Governmental
Relations (COGR) (2009-2014)
Member, Program Committee for e-Science 2009 Conference
(2009)
Member, Program Committee for the 10th IEEE/ACM (Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/Association for
Computing Machinery) International Symposium on Cluster, Cloud
and Grid Computing (CCGrid 2010; 2009-2010)
Member, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities (ORAU) (2010-2013)
Member, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities (ORAU) Foundation (2010-2013)
Member, Advisory Committee, Computer Science and Mathematics
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2010-2012)
Member, AAU (Association of American Universities) Task
Force on Strengthening the University-Government Research
Partnership (2010 to present)
Member, Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities
Research Association (SURA) (2011 to present)
Member, Presidential Search Committee, University
Corporation for Atmospheric Research (2011)
Member, Oklahoma Governor's Science and Technology Council
(2011 to present)
Member, Petroleum Club, Oklahoma City (one year membership,
date unknown)
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities Foundation (2011-2013)
Member, Executive Committee, Association of Public and Land
Grant Universities Council on Research Policy and Graduate
Education (2011-2014)
Member, Board on Research Data and Information, National
Research Council of the National Academies (2012-2015, 2016-
2019)
Member, Search Committee for the Director of the NOAA
National Weather Service (2012)
Chairman-Elect, Council on Research Policy and Graduate
Education, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
(2013-2014)
Member, National Research Council Panel on Information
Science at the Army Research Laboratory (2013-2015)
Chair, Development and Relations Committee, Southeastern
Universities Research Association (SURA) Board of Directors
(2013-2015)
Member, Board of Directors, Association of Public and Land
Grant Universities (APLU) (2013-2014)
Member, NCAR Director Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel (2014)
Member, OU (University of Oklahoma) University Club Board of
Trustees (2013-2016)
President, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2014-2015)
Chairman, Council on Research Policy and Graduate Education,
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (2014-2015)
Member, Board of Directors, The Alliance for Science and
Technology Research in America (ASTRA) (2014 to present)
Member Presidential Search Committee, University Corporation
for Atmospheric Research (2015-2016)
Past-Chairman, Council on Research (Formerly the Council on
Research Policy and Graduate Education), Association of Public
and Land Grant Universities (2015-2016)
Member, NSF Search Committee for Director of Office of
Integrative Activities (2015-2016)
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Southeastern
Universities Research Association (SURA) (2016-2018)
Member, NSF Assistant Director of Geosciences Search
Committee (2016)
Member, State of Oklahoma EPSCoR Executive Subcommittee
Invited Participant, Future of OSTP Planning Meeting,
Sponsored by the Baker Institute, Rice University (2016)
Member, Council on Competitiveness Technology Leadership and
Strategy Initiative (2016 to present)
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities
Research Association (SURA) (2018 to present)
Professional Consultant on airline accidents to Thompson and
Knight, LLP (2006-2008, 2009-2013, 2010-2011)
Member of Council on Competitiveness Technology Leadership &
Strategy Initiative (2016 to present)
Chair, Oklahoma Governor's Science and Technology Council
(2017 to present)
Chair, Oklahoma Governor's Aerospace and Autonomous Systems
Council (2017 to present)
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Member, Board of Directors, Norman, Oklahoma Chamber of
Commerce (2003-2006; 2009-2012)
Member, Board of Trustees, Riverside Church, Norman,
Oklahoma (2007-2009)
Elder, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2009-2010)
Board of Directors, National Weather Museum and Science
Center (2009-2017)
Member National Science Board (2004 2010 and 2011-2016)
Council Member for American Meteorological Society (2004-
2008)
Member of Oklahoma EPSCoR Committee (2007 to present)
Member of Search Committee for Director, National Center for
Atmospheric Research (2008)
Chair, UCAR Review Panel for the NOAA Aviation Weather
Center, Storm Prediction Center, Environmental Modeling Center,
NCEP Central Operations (2008 to present)
Member, Board of Directors, Council on Governmental
Relations (2009-2014)
Member, Program Committee for e-Science 2009 Conference
(2009)
Member, Program Committee for the 10th IEEE/ACM
International Symposium on Cluster, Cloud and Grid Computing
(CCGrid 2010; 2009-2010)
Member, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities (ORAU) (2010-2013)
Member, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities (ORAU) Foundation (2010-2013)
Member, Advisory Committee, Computer Science and Mathematics
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2010-2012)
Member, AAU Task Force on Strengthening the University-
Government Research Partnership (2010 to present)
Member, Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities
Research Association (2011 to present)
Member, Presidential Search Committee, University
Corporation for Atmospheric Research (2011)
Member, Oklahoma Governor's Science and Technology Council
(2011 to present)
Member, Petroleum Club, Oklahoma City (one year membership,
date unknown)
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities Foundation (2011-2013)
Member, Executive Committee, Association of Public and Land
Grant Universities Council on Research Policy and Graduate
Education (2011-2014)
Member, Board on Research Data and Information, National
Research Council of the National Academies (2012-2015, 2016-
2019)
Member, Search Committee for the Director of the NOAA
National Weather Service (2012)
Chairman-Elect, Council on Research Policy and Graduate
Education, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
(2013-2014)
Member, National Research Council Panel on Information
Science at the Army Research Laboratory (2013-2015)
Chair, Development and Relations Committee, Southeastern
Universities Research Association (SURA) Board of Directors
(2013-2015)
Member, Board of Directors, Association of Public and Land
Grant Universities (APLU) (2013-2014)
Member, NCAR Director Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel (2014)
Member, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2013-2016)
President, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2014-2015)
Chairman, Council on Research Policy and Graduate Education,
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (2014-2015)
Member, Board of Directors, The Alliance for Science and
Technology Research in America (ASTRA) (2014 to present)
Member Presidential Search Committee, University Corporation
for Atmospheric Research (2015-2016)
Past-Chairman, Council on Research (Formerly the Council on
Research Policy and Graduate Education), Association of Public
and Land Grant Universities (2015-2016)
Member, NSF Search Committee for Director of Office of
Integrative Activities (2015-2016)
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Southeastern
Universities Research Association (SURA) (2016-2018)
Member, NSF Assistant Director of Geosciences Search
Committee (2016)
Member, State of Oklahoma EPSCoR Executive Subcommittee
Invited Participant, Future of OSTP Planning Meeting,
Sponsored by the Baker Institute, Rice University (2016)
Member, Council on Competitiveness Technology Leadership and
Strategy Initiative (2016 to present)
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities
Research Association (SURA) (2018 to present)
Professional Consultant on airline accidents to Thompson and
Knight, LLP (2006-2008, 2009-2013, 2010-2011)
Member of Council on Competitiveness Technology Leadership &
Strategy Initiative (2016 to present)
Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet Secretary of Science and
Technology (2017 to present)
Chair, Oklahoma Governor's Science and Technology Council
(2017 to present)
Chair, Oklahoma Governor's Aerospace and Autonomous Systems
Council (2017 to present)
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. Please note whether any such club or organization
restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, or handicap.
Member, Board of Directors, Norman, Oklahoma Chamber of
Commerce (2003-2006; 2009-2012)
Member, Board of Trustees, Riverside Church, Norman,
Oklahoma (2007-2009)
Elder, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2009-2010)
Board of Directors, National Weather Museum and Science
Center (2009-2017)
Member, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2013-2016)
President, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2014-2015)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political party or election committee during the same period. None.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
George Lynn Cross Scholarship, University of Oklahoma (1978-
1979)
Dresser Engineering Scholarship, University of Oklahoma
(1979-1980)
OU Engineering Dean's Student Advisory Council (1979-1980)
Tau Beta Pi Fellowship (1980)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (1981)
University of Illinois Fellowship (1981-1982)
Outstanding Young Men of American (1982)
Outstanding First-time Presentation, 12th Conference on
Severe Local Storms, San Antonio, TX, American Meteorological
Society (1982)
University of Illinois Fellowship (1982-1983)
University of Illinois Fellowship (1983-1984)
Sigma Xi Research Paper Award, University of Illinois (1985)
Who's Who in Technology Today (1985)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1986)
Presidential Young Investigator, National Science Foundation
(1987-1992)
Oklahoma State Senate Citation (1987)
Fellow of the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale
Meteorological Studies (1987 to present)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1987)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1988)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1989)
Professor of the Year, College of Geosciences (1991)
Discover Magazine Award for Technology Innovation (computer
software category) to CAPS (Center for Analysis and Prediction
of Storms) (1997)
Computerworld Smithsonian Award to CAPS (science category)
(1997)
OU Associates Presidential Professorship (1998)
NSF Pioneer Award (2001)
Regents' Professorship, University of Oklahoma (2001)
Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (2002)
NOAATech 2002 Award for Best Use of Advanced Networks:
``WSR-88D Radar Data over the Internet/NGI'' (co-recipient,
2002)
Federal Aviation Administration Excellence in Aviation Award
(2002)
Roger and Sherry Teigen Presidential Professorship (2004)
Invited Speaker for the Millennium Lecture Series, UTEP
(2006)
Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science (2014)
University of Illinois Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Distinguished Alumni Speaker (2016)
Rod Rose Award for best article in the Journal of Research
Administration (2017)
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated. Do not attach copies of these publications unless otherwise
instructed.
Author of a 170-word, daily weather science column for the
Daily Oklahoman newspaper (July 1999-July 2001)
``Miracle Machine of U.S. Innovation is in Danger,'' K.
Droegemeier and Daniel Reed, in the Des Moines Register. 2017.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/
iowa-view/2017/06/11/miracle-machine-u-s-innovation-danger/
382432001/
``Advising the Government: Creating Sound Science Policy.''
Presented to the South Central Climate Science Center Early
Career Workshop, 2014. Available at https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ZPZbEBT5E7w&t=2520s
Refereed Book Chapters
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, K. Johnson, M. O'Keefe, A. Sawdey,
G. Sabot, S. Wholey, N.T. Lin, and K. Mills, 1995: Weather
prediction: A scalable storm-scale model. Chapter 3 (p. 45-92)
in High Performance Computing, G. Sabot (Ed.), Addison-Wesley,
Reading, Massachusetts, 246pp.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, and D. Weber, 2007: Numerical
Prediction of High-Impact Local Weather: A driver for Petascale
Computing. Chapter 18 in Petascale Computing: Algorithms and
Applications, Chapman and Hall/CRC Press.
Refereed Encyclopedia Contributions
Droegemeier, K.K., 1993: Weather forecasting and prediction.
McGraw Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology, McGraw Hill,
476-480.
Refereed Publications in Print
Sasamori, T., and K. Droegemeier, 1983: A linear analysis on
the acceleration of zonal flow by baroclinic instability. Part
I: Jovian atmosphere. J Atmos. Sci., 40, 2323-2338.
Droegemeier, K., and T. Sasamori, 1983: A linear analysis on
the acceleration of zonal flow by baroclinic instability. Part
II: Terrestrial atmosphere. J Atmos. Sci., 40, 2339-2348.
Droegemeier, K.K. and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985: Three-dimensional
numerical modeling of convection produced by interacting
thunderstorm outflows. Part I: Control simulation and low-level
moisture variations. J Atmos. Sci., 42, 2381-2403.
Droegemeier, K.K. and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985: Three-dimensional
numerical modeling of convection produced by interacting
thunderstorm outflows. Part II: Variations in vertical wind
shear. J Atmos. Sci., 42, 2404-2414.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1986: Kelvin
instability in a numerically simulated thunderstorm outflow.
Bull. Amber. Meteor. Soc., 67, 416-417.
Droegemeier, K.K. and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1987: Numerical
simulation of thunderstorm outflow dynamics. Part I: Outflow
sensitivity experiments and turbulence dynamics. J Atmos. Sci.,
44, 1180-1210.
Robertson, M., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1990: NEXRAD and the
broadcast weather industry: Preparing to share the technology.
Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 71, 14-18.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, P.R. Woodward, and C.E.
Hane, 1990: Application of the piecewise parabolic method (PPM)
to meteorological modeling. Mon. Wea. Rev., 118, 586-612.
Dietachmayer, G. and K. Droegemeier, 1992: Application of
continuous dynamic grid adaption techniques to meteorological
modelling, Part I: Basic formulation and accuracy. Mon. Wea.
Rev., 120, 1675-1706.
Droegemeier, K.K., S.M. Lazarus, and R.P. Davies-Jones, 1993:
The influence of helicity on numerically simulated convective
storms. Mon. Wea. Rev, 121, 2005-2029.
Li, Y. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1993: The influence of diffusion
on the adjoint data assimilation technique. Tellus, 45A, 435-
448.
Straka, J.M., R.B. Wilhelmson, L.J. Wicker, J.R. Anderson, and
K.K. Droegemeier, 1993: Numerical solutions of a non-linear
density current: A benchmark solution and comparisons. Int. J
Num. Meth. in Fluids, 17, 1-22.
Johnson, J.T., M.D. Eilts, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1993:
Investigation of outflow strength variability in Florida
downburst producing storms. FAA Final Report DOT/FAA/NR-93/5/
111 pp.
Johnson, K.W., J. Bauer, G.A. Riccardi, K.K. Droegemeier, and
M. Xue, 1994: Distributed processing of a regional prediction
model. Mon. Wea. Rev., 122, 2558-2572.
Xu, Q., Xue, M., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: Numerical
simulations of density currents in sheared environments within
a vertically confined channel. J Atmos. Sci., 53, 770-786.
Emanuel, K., D. Raymond, A. Betts, L. Bosart, C. Bretherton, K.
Droegemeier, B. Farrell, J.M. Fritsch, R. Houze, M. LeMone, D.
Lilly, R. Rotunno, M. Shapiro, R. Smith, and A. Thorpe, 1995:
Report of the first Prospectus Development Team of the U.S.
Weather Research Program to NOAA and the NSF. Bull. Amer.
Meteor. Soc., 76, 1194-1208.
Park, S.K., K.K. Droegemeier, and C. Bischof, 1996: Automatic
differentiation as a tool for sensitivity analysis of a
convective storm in a 3-D cloud model. Chapter 18 in
Computational Differentation: Techniques, Applications, and
Tools, M. Berz, C. Bischof, and G. Corliss, Eds., SIAM,
Philadelphia, PA, 205-214.
Sathye, A., G. Bassett, K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, and K.
Brewster, 1996: Experiences using high performance computing
for operational storm scale weather prediction. Concurrency:
Practice and Experience, 8, 731-740.
Xue, M., Q. Xu, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1997: A theoretical and
numerical study of density currents in non-constant shear
flows. J. Atmos. Sci, 54, 1998-2019.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1997: The numerical prediction of
thunderstorms: Challenges, potential benefits, and results from
realtime operational tests. WMO Bulletin, 46, 324-336.
Wang, Z., K.K. Droegemeier, L. White, and I.M. Navon, 1997:
Application of a new adjoint Newton algorithm to the 3-D ARPS
storm scale model using simulated data. Mon. Wea. Rev., 125,
1460-1478.
Sathye, A., M. Xue, G. Bassett, and K. Droegemeier, 1997:
Parallel weather modeling with the advanced regional prediction
system. Parallel Computing, 23, 2243-2256.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1997: The validity of the
tangent linear approximation in a moist convective cloud model.
Mon. Wea. Rev, 125, 3320-3340.
Wang, D.Z., K.K. Droegemeier, and L. White, 1998: The adjoint
Newton algorithm for large-scale unconstrained optimization in
meteorology applications. Comput. Opt. and Appl., 10, 281-318.
Lilly, D.K., G.M. Bassett, K.K. Droegemeier, and P. Battello,
1998: Stratified turbulence in the atmospheric mesoscales.
Theoretical and Comp. Fluid Dyn, 11, 139-153.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, and A.M. Blyth, 1998a:
Entrainment and detrainment in numerically simulated cumulus
congestus clouds, Part I: General results and comparison with
observations. J. Atmos. Sci, 55, 3417-3432.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, and A.M. Blyth, 1998b:
Entrainment and detrainment in numerically simulated cumulus
congestus clouds, Part II: Cloud budgets. J. Atmos. Sci, 55,
3433-3439.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, and A.M. Blyth, 1998c:
Entrainment and detrainment in numerically simulated cumulus
congestus clouds, Part III: Detailed parcel analyses and
conceptual model. J. Atmos. Sci, 55, 3440-3455.
Lazarus, S., A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: Analysis
of the Gal-Chen/Zhang single-Doppler velocity retrieval. J.
Atmos. and Oceanic Tech., 16, 5-18.
Adlerman, E.J., K.K. Droegemeier, and R-P. Davies-Jones 1999:
Numerical simulation of cyclic mesocyclogenesis. J. Atmos.
Sci., 56, 2045-2069.
Rao, P.A., H.E. Fuelberg, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: High
resolution modeling of the Cape Canaveral area land/water
circulations and associated features. Mon. Wea. Rev., 56, 1808-
1821.
Park, S.K., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: Sensitivity analysis of
a moist 1-D Eulerian cloud model using automatic
differentiation. Mon. Wea. Rev., 127, 2128-2142.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, and K. Droegemeier, 1999: A
variational method for the analysis of three-dimensional wind
fields from dual-Doppler radars. Mon. Wea. Rev., 127, 2180-
2196.
Grice, G:K., R. J. Trapp, S. F. Corfidi, R. Davies-Jones, C. C.
Buonanno, J.P. Craven, K. K. Droegemeier, C. Duchon, J. V.
Houghton, R. Prentice, G. Romine, K. Schlachter, K. K. Wagner,
1999: The Golden Anniversary Celebration of the First Tornado
Forecast. Bull. Amer. Met Soc., 80, 1341-1348.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2000: Sensitivity analysis of
a 3-D convective storm: Implications for variational data
assimilation and forecast error. Mon. Wea. Rev., 128, 140-159.
Ware, R.H., D.W. Fulker, S.A. Stein, D.N. Anderson, S.K. Avery,
R.D. Clark, K.K. Droegemeier, J.P. Kuettner, J.B. Minster, and
S. Sorooshian, 2000: SuomiNet: A real-time national GPS network
for atmospheric research and education. Bull. Amer. Meteor.
Soc., 84, 677-694.
Foufoula-Georgiou, E., J. Zepeda-Arce, and K.K. Droegemeier,
2000: Space-time rainfall organization and its role in
validating quantitative precipitation forecasts. J. Geophys
Res., 105, 10129-10146.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2000: Hydrological aspects of
weather prediction and flood warnings: Report of the Ninth
Prospectus Development Team of the U.S. Weather Research
Program. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 81, 2665-2680.
Xue, M., K. K. Droegemeier, and V. Wong, 2000: The Advanced
Regional Prediction System (ARPS)--A multiscale nonhydrostatic
atmospheric simulation and prediction model. Part I: Model
dynamics and verification. Meteor. and Atmos. Physics., 75,
161-193.
Ware, R.H., D.W. Fulker, S.A. Stein, D.N. Anderson, S.K. Avery,
R.D. Clark, K.K. Droegemeier, J.P. Kuettner, J. Minster, and S.
Sorooshian, 2000: Real-time national GPS networks:
Opportunities for atmospheric sensing. Earth Planets Space, 52,
901-905.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, Qin Xu, and K. Droegemeier, 2001:
Three dimensional simple adjoint velocity retrievals from
single Doppler radar data. J. Atmos. and Oceanic Tech., 18, 26-
38.
Hou, D., E. Kalnay, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2001: Objective
verification of the SAMEX '98 ensemble forecasts. Mon. Wea.
Rev., 129, 73-91.
Lazarus, S., A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2001:
Application of the Gal-Chen/Zhang velocity retrieval to a deep
convective storm. J. Atmos. Sci., 58, 998-1016.
Xue, M., K. K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, A. Shapiro, K. Brewster,
F. Carr, D. Weber, Y. Liu, and D.-H. Wang, 2001: The Advanced
Regional Prediction System (ARPS)--A multiscale nonhydrostatic
atmospheric simulation and prediction tool. Part II: Model
physics and applications. Meteor. and Atmos. Physics, 76, 134-
165.
Anthes, R., 0. Brown, K. Droegemeier, and J. Fellows, 2001:
UCAR and NCAR at 40. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 82, 1139-1149.
Harris, D., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, K.K. Droegemeier, and J.
Levit, 2001: Multi-scale statistical prope1ties of a high-
resolution precipitation forecast. J. Hydromet., 4, 406-418.
Ware, R.H., D.W. Fulker, S.A. Stein, D.N. Anderson, S.K. Avery,
R.D. Clark, K.K. Droegemeier, J.P. Kuettner, J.B. Minster, and
S. Sorooshian, 2001: Real time national GPS networks for
atmospheric sensing. J. Atmos. and Solar-Terr. Phys., 63, 1315-
1330.
Weygandt, S.S., A. Shapiro and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002:
Retrieval of initial forecast fields from single-Doppler
observations of a supercell thunderstorm. Part I: Single-
Doppler velocity retrieval. Mon. Wea. Rev, 130, 433-453.
Weygandt, S.S., A. Shapiro and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002:
Retrieval of initial forecast fields from single-Doppler
observations of a supercell thunderstorm. Part II:
Thermodynamic retrieval and numerical prediction. Mon. Wea.
Rev, 130, 454-476.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: The sensitivity of
numerically-simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis to variations in
model physical and computational parameters. Mon. Wea. Rev.,
130, 2671-2691.
Xue, M., D.-H. Wang, J.-D. Gao, K. Brewster, and K. K.
Droegemeier, 2003: The Advanced Regional Prediction System
(ARPS): Storm scale numerical weather prediction and data
assimilation. Meteor. and Atmos. Physics, 82, 139-170.
Pielke, R.A. Jr. and Co-Authors, 2003: The USWRP workshop on
the weather research needs of the private sector. Bull. Amer.
Meteor. Soc., 84, ES53-ES67.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2004: A
three dimensional variational data analysis method with
recursive filter for Doppler radars. J Atmos. and Oceanic
Tech., 21, 457-469.
Gao, J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2004: A variational technique for
dealiasing Doppler radial velocity data. J Appl. Meteor., 43,
934-940.
Gao, J., K.K. Droegemeier, J. Gong, and Q. Xu, 2004: A method
for retrieving mean horizontal wind profiles from single-
Doppler radar observations contaminated by aliasing. Mon. Wea.
Rev, 132, 1399-1409.
Plale, B., J. Alameda, R. Wilhelmson, D. Gannon, S. Hampton, A.
Rossi, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2004: User-oriented active
management of scientific data with my LEAD. IEEE Internet
Computing, 9, 27-34.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2005: Service-oriented
environments in research and education for dynamically
interacting with mesoscale weather. Computing in Science and
Engineering, 7, 12-29.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2005: The dependence of
numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis upon
environmental vertical wind shear. Mon. Wea. Rev., 133, 3595-
3623.
Smedsmo, J.L., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, V. Vuruputur, F. Kong, and
K. Droegemeier, 2005: On the vertical structure of modeled and
observed deep convective storms: Insights for precipitation
retrieval and microphysical parameterization. J. Appl. Meteor.,
44, 1866-1884.
Xue, M., M. Tong, and K. K. Droegemeier, 2006: An OSSE
framework based on the ensemble square-root Kalman filter for
evaluating impact of data from radar networks on thunderstorm
analysis and forecast. J Atmos. Ocean Tech., 23, 46-66.
Kong, F., K.K. Droegemeier and N.L. Hickmon, 2006: Multi-
resolution ensemble forecasts of an observed tornadic
thunderstorm system, Part I: Comparison of coarse and fine grid
ensembles. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 807-833.
Plale, B., D. Gannon, J. Brotzge, K.K. Droegemeier and Co-
Authors, 2006: CASA and LEAD: Adaptive cyberinfrastructure for
real time multiscale weather forecasting. IEEE Computer, 39,
66-74.
Nascimento, E. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2006: Dynamic adjustment
in a numerically-simulated mesoscale convective system: Impact
of the wind field. J Atmos. Sci., 63, 2246-2268.
Brotzge, J., K.K. Droegemeier and D.J. McLaughlin, 2006:
Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere: New radar
system for improving analysis and forecasting of surface
weather conditions. J Transport. Res. Board, No. 1948, 145-151.
Gao, J., M. Xue, S. Lee, A. Shapiro and K. K. Droegemeier,
2006: A Three-dimensional variational method for velocity
retrievals from single-Doppler radar on supercell storms.
Meteor. and Atmos. Phys., 94, 11-26.
Kong, F., K.K. Droegemeier and N. Hickmon, 2007: Multi-
resolution ensemble forecasts of an observed tornadic
thunderstorm system. Part II: Storm-scale ensemble forecasts.
Mon. Wea. Rev., 135, 759-782.
Kelleher, K., K.K. Droegemeier and co-authors, 2007: Project
CRAFT: Technical Aspects of a Real Time Delivery System for
NEXRAD Level II Data via the Internet. In Press for Bull. Amer.
Meteor. Soc., 88, 1045-1057.
Richardson, Y.P., K.K. Droegemeier, and R.P. Davies-Jones,
2007: The influence of horizontal environmental variability on
numerically simulated convective storms, Part I: Variations in
vertical shear. Mon. Wea. Rev., 135, 3429-3455.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, and D. Weber, 2007: Numerical
Prediction of High-Impact Local Weather: A driver for Petascale
Computing D. Bader, Ed. Chapter 18 in Petascale Computing:
Algorithm and Applications, Chapman and Hall/CRC Press, 568 pp.
Brewster, K.A., D.B. Weber, S. Marru, K.W. Thomas, D. Gannon,
K. Droegemeier, J. Alameda and S. Weiss, 2008: On-demand severe
weather forecasts using TeraGrid via the LEAD portal. TeraGrid
2008.
Kain, J.S., S.J. Weiss, D.R. Bright, M.E. Baldwin, J.J. Levit,
G.W. Carbin, C.S. Schwartz, M. Weisman, K. Droegemeier, D.
Weber, and K.W. Thomas, 2008: Some practical considerations for
the first generation of operational convection-allowing NWP:
How much resolution is enough? Wea. and Forecasting, 23, 931-
952.
Droegemeier, K.K., 2008: Transforming the sensing and numerical
prediction of high impact local weather through dynamic
adaptation. Phil. Trans. of the Royal Soc. A, 1-20.
Proud, J., K.K. Droegemeier, V.T. Wood and R.A. Brown, 2009:
Sampling strategies for tornado and mesocyclone detection using
dynamically adaptive Doppler radars: A simulation study. J
Atmos. and Oceanic Tech., 26, 492-507.
Dunning Jr., T.H., K. Schulten, J. Tromp, J. Ostriker, K.
Droegemeier, M. Xue and P. Fussell, 2009: Science and
engineering in the petascale era. Computing in Science and
Engineering, 11, 28-36.
Palmer, R., M. Biggerstaff, P. Chilson, J. Crain, K.
Droegemeier, Y. Hong, M. Yeary, T.-Y. Yu, G. Zhang and Y.
Zhang, 2009: Weather radar education at the University of
Oklahoma: An integrated interdisciplinary approach. Submitted
to Bull. Amer. Met. Soc., 90, 1277-1282.
McLaughlin, D., D. Pepyne, V. Chandrasekar, B. Philips, J.
Kurose, M. Zink, K. Droegemeier, S. Cruz-Pol, F. Junyent, J.
Brotzge, D. Westbrook, N. Bharadwaj, Y. Wang, E. Lyons, K.
Hondl, Y. Liu, E. Knapp, M. Xue, A. Hopf, K. Kloesel, A.
DeFonzo, P. Kollias, K. Brewster, R. Contreras, T. Djaferis, E.
Insanic, S. Frasier, and F. Carr, 2009: Short-wavelength
technology and the potential for distributed networks of small
radar systems. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc.,Bull. Amer. Meteor.
Soc., 90, 1797-1817.
McGovern, A., D.H. Rosendahl, R.A. Brown and K.K. Droegemeier,
2011: Identifying predictive multi-dimensional time series
motifs: An application to severe weather. Data Mining and
Knowledge Discovery, 22, 232-258.
Dong, J., M. Xue and K.K. Droegemeier 2011: The analysis and
impact of simulated high-resolution surface observations in
addition to radar data for convective storms with an ensemble
Kalman filter. Meteor. Atmos. Phys, 112, 41-61.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2017: The Roles of Chief
Research Officers at American Research Universities: A Current
Profile and Challenges for the Future. J. Res. Admin., 48, 26-
64. [Winner of the 2017 Rod Rose Award for best article in the
Journal of Research Administration.]
Technical Reports
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, P.V. Reid, J. Straka, J.A. Bradley
III, and R. Lindsay, 1991: The advanced regional prediction
system (ARPS) Version 2.0. Theoretical and numerical
formulation. Technical Report No. 91-001, Center for Analysis
and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, 55pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1992: A multi-parameter study of numerically
simulated microbursts for use in developing an expert system
for the Honeywell Windshear Computer. Final Report, Contract
Nos. Tl14732L and Tl14733L, 60pp.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, A. Shapiro, and K.
Brewster, 1995: ARPS Version 4.0 User's Guide, 380pp. Available
from the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, I00 East
Boyd Street, Norman, OK, 73019.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1998: Meteorological aspects of convective
storms in the vicinity of American Airlines Flight 903 on 12
May 1997 as revealed by numerical simulation. Final Report to
the National Transportation Safety Board, 6 pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1998: Meteorological aspects of convective
storms in the vicinity of American Airlines Flight #242 on 10
July 1997 as revealed by radar, satellite, and numerical
simulation. Final Report to American Airlines, Inc., 21 pp.
Foufoula-Georgiou, E., J. Zepeda-Arce, and K.K. Droegemeier,
1998: Space-time rainfall organization and its role in
validating quantitative precipitation forecasts. Supercomputing
Institute Research Report UMSI 98/181, University of Minnesota,
32 pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., 2001: Analysis of meteorological conditions
in association with the crash of American Airlines Flight 1420.
Final Report to American Airlines, Inc., 158pp.
Weber, D., K.K. Droegemeier, K. Brewster, H.-D. Yoo, J. Romo,
2001: Continued Development of the Advanced Regional Prediction
System for the Korea Meteorological Administration, Project
TAKE Final Report, 49pp.
Non-Refereed Conference Papers
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1982: The roles of
thunderstorm outflows in the production and maintenance of
convection. Preprints, 12th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, San
Antonio, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 516-519.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1983: Three-dimensional
numerical simulation of the interaction between a shallow
cumulus field and a thunderstorm outflow boundary. Preprints,
13th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Tulsa, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
245-248.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985: Kelvin-Helmholtz
instability in a numerically simulated thunderstorm outflow.
Preprints, 14th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Indianapolis,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 147-150.
Anderson, J.R., K.K. Droegemeier, and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985:
Simulation of the thunderstorm sub-cloud environment.
Preprints, 14th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Indianapolis,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 147-150.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.P. Davies-Jones, 1987: Simulation of
thunderstorm microbursts with a super-compressible numerical
model. 5th International Conference on Numerical Methods in
Laminar and Turbulent Flow, Montreal, 1386-1397.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1987: Numerical simulation of thunderstorm
outflows and microbursts: The supercomputer as a tool of
discovery. Invited keynote paper, Proc. 3rd Int. Conf. of
Science and Engineering on Cray Supercomputers, Sept. 9-11,
Minneapolis, 267-289.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1987: The use of realtime animation graphics
in the analysis of meteorological model data. Invited paper,
Proc. ECMWF Workshop on Meteorological Operational Systems,
Dec. 7-11, Reading, England.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1988: Simulation of microburst vorticity
dynamics. Preprints, 15th Conf on Severe Local Storms, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Feb. 22-26, Baltimore, 107-110.
Lazarus, S.M. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1988: Simulation of
convective initialization along gust fronts. Preprints, 15th
Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Feb. 22-26,
Baltimore, 241-244.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, P.R. Woodward, and C.E.
Hane, 1988: Application of the piecewise parabolic method (PPM)
to meteorological modeling. Preprints, 6th Conf. on Num. Wea.
Pred., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Feb. 22-26, Baltimore, 791-798.
Babcock, M.R. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1989: Numerical simulation
of microbursts: Aircraft trajectory studies. Preprints, 3rd
Int. Conference on the Aviation Weather System, Jan. 29-Feb. 3,
1989, Anaheim, CA., 62-67.
Droegemeier, K.K. and M.R. Babcock, 1989: Numerical simulation
of microburst downdrafts: Application to on-board and look-
ahead sensor technology. Preprints. AIAA Aero. Sci. Meeting,
Jan. 9-12, 1989, Reno, NV., 12pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., K. Dowers, P. Reid, J. Davis, W. Roberts, W.
Standefer, J. Bradley, R. Bland, T. Meys, and T. Hill, 1989:
Center for the Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS):
Developing a prototype storm-scale prediction system. Invited
paper, ECMWF Workshop on Meteorological Operational Systems,
Dec. 4-8, Reading, ENGLAND.
Bradley, J., and K. Droegemeier, 1990: Scientific visualization
at the Center for the Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS).
Proc. SPIE/SPSE Electronic Imaging Science and Technology
Symposium, Feb. 11-16, Santa Clara, 291-306.
Li, Y., H. Kapitza, J. Lewis, and K. Droegemeier, 1990:
Application of an anelastic mesoscale model and its adjoint to
data assimilation. International Symposium on Assimilation of
Observations in Meteorology and Oceanography, 9-13 July,
Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Weygandt, S., K. Droegemeier, C. Hane, and C. Ziegler, 1990:
Data assimilation experiments using a two-dimensional cloud
model. Preprints. 16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Kananaskis
Provincial Park, Albe1ta, Canada, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 493-498.
Droegemeier, K., 1990: Toward a science of storm-scale
prediction. Preprints. 16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms,
Kananaskis Provincial Park, Alberta, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 256-
262.
Lazarus, S. and K. Droegemeier, 1990: The influence of helicity
on the stability and morphology of numerically simulated
storms. Preprints. 16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms,
Kananaskis Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., 269-274.
Li, Y., K. K. Droegemeier, and J.M. Lewis, 1991: Multiple
minima in the costfunctional of variational four dimensional
data assimilation methods: Their origin and role in the
predictability of nonlinear dynamical systems. Preprints, 9th
Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Denver, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., 467-471.
McPherson, R.A. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1991: Numerical
predictability experiments of the 20 May 1977 Del City, OK
supercell storm. Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 734-738.
Paine, K.L. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1991: A comparison of two
methods for dynamic grid adaptation in a two-dimensional scalar
transport equation. Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical
Weather Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 197-201.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, P.V. Reid, J. Bradley III, and R.
Lindsay, 1991: Development of the CAPS Advanced Regional
Prediction System (ARPS): An adaptive, massively parallel,
multiscale prediction model. Preprints, 9th Conference on
Numerical Weather Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 289-
292.
Straka, J., R.B. Wilhelmson, L.J. Wicker, K. Droegemeier, and
J.R. Anderson, 1991: Workshop on numerical methods for solving
nonlinear flow problems. Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical
Weather Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 274-278.
Cbrisochoides, N., K.K. Droegemeier, G. Fox, K. Mills, and M.
Xue, 1993: A methodology for developing high performance
computing models: Storm-scale weather prediction. Proc.,
Society for Computer Simulation Multiconference, March 29-April
1, Arlington, Virginia.
Weygandt, S.S., J.M. Straka, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1993:
Sensitivity of storm-scale predictions to initialization with
simulated Doppler radar data. Preprints, 26th Int. Conf. on
Radar Meteorology, Norman, OK, Amer. Meteor. Soc, 193-195.
Droegemeier, K.K. and J. Levit, 1993: The sensitivity of
numerically simulated storm evolution to initial conditions.
Preprints, 17th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, St. Louis, MO,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 431-435.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, and P.R. Woodward, 1993: Simulation
of tornado vortices within a supercell storm using adaptive
grid refinement technique. Preprints, 17th Conf. on Severe
Local Storms, St. Louis, MO, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 362-365.
Sawdey, A., M. O'Keefe, 0. Meirhaeghe, M. Xue, and K.
Droegemeier, 1993: Conversion of the ARPS 3.0 mesoscale weather
prediction code to CM-Fortran using the Fortran-P translator.
Preprint 93-089, Army High Performance Computing Research
Center, University of Minnesota, 7pp. (preliminary draft)
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, K. Johnson, K. Mills, and M.
O'Keefe, 1993: Experiences with the scalable-parallel ARPS
cloud/mesoscale prediction model on massively parallel and
workstation cluster architectures. Parallel Supercomputing in
Atmospheric Science, G.R. Hoffman and T. Kauranne, Eds., World
Scientific, 99-129.
Lin, N.-T., K. Mills, Y.-C. Chen, K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue,
1993: A message passing version of the Advanced Regional
Prediction System (mpARPS). 17 pp. (Preliminary draft.)
Park, S.K. and K. Droegemeier, C. Bischof, and T. Knauff, 1994:
Sensitivity analysis of numerically-simulated convective storms
using direct and adjoint methods. Preprints, 10th Conference on
Numerical Weather Prediction, American Meteorological Society,
Portland, 457-459.
Droegemeier, K.K., G. Bassett, and M. Xue, 1994: Very high-
resolution, uniform-grid simulations of deep convection on a
massively parallel processor: Implications for small-scale
predictability. Preprints, 10th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, American Meteorological Society , Portland, 376-
379.
Janish, P.R., M.L. Branick, K.K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, K.
Brewster, J. Levit, A. Sathye, R. Carpenter, A. Shapiro, V.
Wong, Y. Liu, D. Wang, H. Jin, X. Song, D. Weber, S. Lazarus,
G. Bassett, M. Zou, N. Lin, and L. Sun, 1994: Evaluation of the
Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) for storm scale
operational forecasting during VORTEX '94. Abstract, 1994 Fall
Meeting of the American Geophysical Union, 5-9 December, San
Francisco.
Beasley, W.H., K.C. Crawford, R. McPherson, S.E. Postawko, M.L.
Morrissey, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1994: Meteorology-related
outreach and education activities in the College of Geosciences
at the University of Oklahoma. Abstract, 1994 Fall Meeting of
the American Geophysical Union, 5-9 December, San Francisco.
Wong, V.C., M. Xue, K. Droegemeier, Y. Liu, A. Sathye, and X.
Song, 1994: Parameterization of physical processes in a storm-
scale model. Preprints, 10th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, American Meteorological Society, Portland, J28-J3l.
Jin, H., M. Xue, Q. Xu, and K. Droegemeier, 1994: Numerical
simulation of cold-air damming. Preprints, 6th Conference on
Mesoscale Processes, American Meteorological Society, Portland,
542-543.
Xue, M., Brewster, K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, Y. Liu, and M. Zou,
1995: Application of the advanced regional prediction system
(ARPS) to real-time operational forecasting. Proc., 14th Conf.
on Wea. and Forecasting, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Dallas, TX.
Janish, P.R., K.K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, K. Brewster, and J.
Levit, 1995: Evaluation of the advanced regional prediction
system (ARPS) for storm-scale modeling applications in
operational forecasting. Proc., 14th Conf. on Wea. and
Forecasting, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX., 224-
229.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: A study of
numerically modeled cumulus congestus clouds. Proc., Conference
on Cloud Physics, 15-20 Jan, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: Effect of a
microphysical parameterization on the evolution of linear
perturbations in a convective cloud model. Proc., Conference on
Cloud Physics, 15-20 Jan, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: On the use of automatic
differentiation to evaluate parametric sensitivity in
convective scale variational data assimilation. Proc., Int.
Symp. on Assimilation of Observations in Meteor. and
Oceanography. 13-17 March, World Meteorological Organization,
Tokyo.
Wang, Z., K.K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, and S.K. Park, 1995:
Sensitivity analysis of a 3-D compressible storm-scale to input
parameters. Proc., Int. Symp. on Assimilation of Observations
in Meteor. and Oceanography. 13-17 March, World Meteorological
Organization, Tokyo.
Shapiro, A., K.K. Droegemeier, S. Lazarus, and S. Weygandt,
1995: Forward variational four-dimensional data assimilation
and prediction experiments using a storm-scale numerical model.
Proc., Int. Symp. on Assimilation of Observations in Meteor.
and Oceanography. 13-17 March, World Meteorological
Organization, Tokyo.
Weygandt, S., A. Shaprio, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995:
Adaptation of a single-Doppler velocity retrieval for use on a
deep convective storm. Preprints, 27th Conference on Radar
Meteorology, 9-13 October, Vail, CO, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 264-
266.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Adjoint sensitivity
analysis of a 3-D convective storm. Preprints, 18th Conf. on
Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San
Francisco, CA, 235-239.
Richardson, Y. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: The dynamics
governing organized multicell rotation and transition.
Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer.
Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 195-199.
Adlerman, E. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Numerical simulations
of cyclic mesocyclogenesis. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe
Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco,
CA, 728-732.
Jahn, D. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Simulation of convective
storms in environments with independently varying bulk
Richardson number shear and storm-relative environmental
helicity. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20
Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 230-234.
Droegemeier, K.K., G. Bassett, D.K. Lilly, and M. Xue, 1996:
Does helicity really play a role in supercell longevity?
Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer.
Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 205-209.
Xue, M., K. Droegemeier, and V. Wong, 1995: The Advanced
Regional Prediction System and Realtime storm-scale weather
prediction. Preprints, Int. Workshop on Limited-Area and
Variable Resolution Models. Beijing China, October, 7pp.
Sathye, A., G. Bassett, K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue, 1995:
Towards operational severe weather prediction using massively
parallel processors. Int. Conf. on High Performance Computing,
New Dehli, India, 27-30 December.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, A. Sathye, K. Brewster, G. Bassett,
J. Zhang, Y. Liu, M. Zou, A. Crook, V. Wong, and R. Carpenter,
1996: Realtime numerical prediction of storm-scale weather
during VORTEX '95, Part I: Goals and methodology. Preprints,
18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor.
Soc., San Francisco, CA, 6-10.
Wong, V.C., M. Xue, K. Droegemeier, Y. Liu, X. Song, J. Zhang,
and L. Zhao, 1996: Impact of physics on the development of
severe storms during VORTEX-95. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe
Local Storms, 19-23 Feb., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco,
CA, 165-168.
Xu, Q., J. Zong, arid K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Numerical
simulations of the topographic effects on cold front motion
using an advanced nonhydrostatic model (ARPS). Seventh Conf. on
Mesoscale Processes, 9-13 September, Reading, England.
Xue, M., K. Brewster, K. Droegemeier, F. Carr, V. Wong, Y. Liu,
A. Sathye, G. Bassett, P. Janish, J. Levit and P. Bothwell,
1996: Realtime numerical prediction of storm-scale weather
during VORTEX '95, Part II: Operations summary and example
predictions. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 19-
23 Feb., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA., 178-182.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, D. Wang, and K. Brewster, 1996:
Prediction and simulation of a multiple squall line case during
VORTEX 95. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20
Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 169-173.
Droegemeier, K.K. and M. Xue, 1995: Realtime numerical
prediction of storm-scale weather at the Center for Analysis
and Prediction of Storms (CAPS): Strategies and preliminary
results. Proceedings, UJST Workshop on the Technology of
Disaster Prevention Against Local Severe Storms. 28 Nov.-2
Dec., 1994, Norman, Oklahoma, USA, 10pp.
Xue, M., Q. Xu, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: A theoretical and
numerical study of density currents in non-constant shear
flows. Preprints, 7th Conf. on Mesoscale Processes. 9-13
September, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Reading, UK.
Wang, D., M. Xue, V.C. Wong, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996:
Prediction and simulation of convective storms during VORTEX
'95. Preprints, 11th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, 19-23 August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Norfolk, VA.,
301-303.
Wang, Z., K.K. Droegemeier, and L. White, 1996: 4-D variational
data assimilation using the adjoint Newton algorithm.
Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 19-23 August, Norfolk,
VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 116-118.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Sensitivity of3-D
convective storm evolution to water vapor and implications for
variational data assimilation. Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num.
Wea. Pred. 19-23 August, Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 137-
139.
Shapiro, A., L. Zhao, S. Weygandt, K. Brewster, and K.K.
Droegemeier, 1996: Initial forecast fields created from single-
Doppler wind retrieval, thermodynamic retrieval, and ADAS.
Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 19-23 August, Norfolk,
VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 119-121.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, K. Brewster, Y. Liu, S.K. Park, F.
Carr, J. Mewes, J. Zang, A. Sathye, G. Bassett, M. Zou, R.
Carpenter, D. McCarthy, D. Andra, P. Janish, R. Graham, S.
Sanielvici, J. Brown, B. Loftis, and K. McLain, 1996: The 1996
CAPS spring operational forecasting period--Realtime storm-
scale NWP, Part I: Goals and methodology. Preprints, 11th Conf.
on Num. Wea. Pred. 19-23 August, Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., 294-296.
Xue, M., J. Zang, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Parameterization
of PBL turbulence in a multi-scale nonhydrostatic model.
Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num. Wea. Fred. 19-23 August, Norfolk,
VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 363-365.
Xue, M., K. Brewster, K.K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, D. Wang, F.
Carr, A. Shapiro, L. Zhao, S. Weygandt, D. Andra, and P.
Janish, 1996: The 1996 CAPS spring operational forecasting
period--Realtime storm-scale NWP, Part II: Operational Summary
and sample cases. Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num. Wea. Fred. 19-
23 August, Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 297-300.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, G.M. Bassett, W.L.
Qualley, and R. Strasser, 1997: Project Hub-CAPS: Storm-scale
NWP for commercial aviation. Preprints, 7th Conf. on Aviation,
Range, and Aerospace Meteorology, 2-7 February, Long Beach, CA,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 474-479.
Droegemeier, K.K., Y. Richardson, G.M. Bassett, and A.
Marroquin, 1997: Three dimensional numerical simulations of
turbulence generated in the near-environment of deep convective
storms. Preprints, 7th Conf. on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace
Meteorology, 2-7 February, Long Beach, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
169-174.
Droegemeier, K.K. and D.E. Jahn, 1997: CAPS operational tests:
Current results and future plans. Preprints, 2nd Korea-US Joint
Workshop on Storm- and Mesa-Scale Weather Analysis and
Prediction, 7-10 October, Seoul, Korea, 1-6. Sponsored by the
Korean Science and Engineering Foundation, the National Science
Foundation, the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms,
the Korean Meteorological Administration, and the Korean
Meteorological Society.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1997: 4DVAR with a moist
adjoint applied to deep convective storms--Simulated data
experiments. Preprints, 2nd Korea-US Joint Workshop on Storm-
and Meso Scale Weather Analysis and Prediction, 7-10 October,
Seoul, Korea, 52-56. [Sponsored by the Korean Science and
Engineering Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the
Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, the Korean
Meteorological Administration, and the Korean Meteorological
Society.]
Carpenter, R.L, Jr., Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Gene M. Bassett,
Keith Brewster, David E. Jahn, Jason Levit, Ming Xue, Warren L.
Qualley, and Roy Strasser, 1998: Storm-Scale NWP for Commercial
Aviation: Results from Real-time Operational Tests in 1996-
1997. Preprints, 12th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred., 11-18 Jan.,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 213-216.
Gao, J., M. Xue, Z. Wang, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: The
initial condition and explicit prediction of convection using
ARPS adjoint and other retrieval methods with WSR-88D data.
Preprints, 12th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred., 11-18 Jan., Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 176-178.
Shin, Kyung-Sup, Soon Kab Chung, Son-Yong Lee, Hee-Dong Yoo,
Dong-II Lee, Ming Xue, Keith Brewster, Gene Bassett, Seon Ki
Park, Kelvin K. Droegemeier, 1998: Explicit Realtime
Operational Prediction of Deep Convection over Korea.
Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and Forecasting, 11-16
Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 135-137.
Wang, Donghai, M. Xue, D. Hou, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998:
Midlatitude squall line propagation and structure as simulated
by a 3-D nonhydrostatic stormscale model. Preprints, 12th Conf.
on Num. Wea. Pred., 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix,
AZ, 209-212.
Weygandt, S., A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: The use
of the wind and thermodynamic retrievals to create initial
forecast field from single-Doppler observations of a supercell
thunderstorm. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and
Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 286-
288.
Wong, V., M. Xue, Y. Liu, X. Tan, L. Wang, and K.K.
Droegemeier, 1998: Effect of land cover on the numerical
predictions of convective storms. Preprints, 12th Conf. on Num.
Wea. Pred., 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 157-
160.
Xue, M., D. Wang, D. Hou, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier,
1998: Prediction of the 7 May 1995 squall lines over the
central U.S. with intermittent data assimilation. Preprints,
16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 191-194.
Xue, M., D. Wang, D. Hou, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier,
1998: Analysis and prediction of convective initialization
along a dryline. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and
Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 161-
163.
Zang, J., K.K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue; 1998: Impact of
observations in the numerical prediction of the 17 August 1994
Lahoma supercell hailsto1m. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal.
and Forecasting, 11-18 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ,
289-291.
Richardson, Y.P., K.K. Droegemeier, and R. Davies-Jones, 1998:
A study of the influence of horizontally-varying vertical shear
and CAPE on numerically simulated convective storms. Preprints,
19th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 14-18 September, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Minneapolis, MN, 249-252.
Gao, J., S. Weygandt, M. Xue, A. Shapiro, Q. Xu, and K.K.
Droegemeier, 1998: Application of a simple adjoint wind
retrieval to a tornadic supercell storm. Preprints, 19th Conf.
on Severe Local Storms, 14-18 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Minneapolis, MN.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: A 3D
variational storm-scale wind analysis from dual-Doppler radar.
Preprints, 19th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 14-18 September,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Minneapolis, MN.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, G.M. Bassett, S.S.
Weygandt, D.E. Jahn, S. Stevenson, W. Qualley, and R. Strasser,
1999: Storm scale numerical weather prediction for commercial
and military aviation, Part 1: Results from operational tests
in 1998. Preprints, 8th Conf. on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace
Meteorology, 10-15 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX,
209-211.
Droegemeier, K.K., J. Zong, K. Brewster, T.D. Crum, H. Edmon,
D. Fulker, L. Miller, R. Rew, and J. Martin, 1999: The explicit
numerical prediction of an intense hailstorm using WSR-88D
observations: The need for realtime access to Level II data and
plans for a prototype acquisition system. Preprints, 15th
International Conference on Interactive Information and
Processing Systems (IIPS) for Meteorology, Oceanography, and
Hydrology, 10-15 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX, 295-
299.
Droegemeier, K.K., D. Braaten, and D. Rodenhuis, 1999: Report
of the First Study Conference on Aviation Weather Hazards.
Preprints, 8th Conf. on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace
Meteorology, 10-15 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Lee, S.-Y., S.-K. Park, K.K. Droegemeier, K.-S. Shin, H.-D.
Yoo, S.-H. Sohn, D.-I. Lee, M. Xue, K. Brewster, and G.
Bassett, 1999: Numerical simulation of a heavy rainfall event
at Mt. Chiri using the ARPS nested grid system. Preprints, 3rd
Int. Sci. Conf. on GEWEX and 4th Study Conf. on GAME, 16-19
June.
Weygandt, S., A. Shapiro, K. Brewster, K. Droegemeier, R.
Carpenter, and G. Bassett, 1999: Real-time model initialization
using single Doppler retrieved fields obtained from WSR-88D
Level II data. Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology,
12-16 July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec.
Weygandt, S., P. Nutter, E. Kalnay, S.K. Park, and K.K.
Droegemeier, 1999: The relative importance of different data
fields in a numerically simulated convective storm. Preprints,
29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Montreal, Quebec, 310-315.
Levit, J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: A simple diabatic
initialization technique for storm-resolving models using NIDS
data. Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16
July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec, 154-157.
Crum, T., K.K. Droegemeier, H. Edmon, K. Brewster, and D.
Fulker, 1999: Visions for the future real-time distribution of
WSR-88D base data. Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar
Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: Three
dimensional variational wind retrievals from single-Doppler
radar. Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16
July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, Q. Xu, and K. K. Droegemeier,
1999: Simple Adjoint Retrievals Using WSR-88D Radar Data,
Preprints, 8th Conference on Mesoscale Processes, June, 28-30,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Boulder, Colorado, 338-340.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2000: A numerical
simulation of cyclic tornadogenesis. Preprints, 20th Conference
on Severe Local Storms, 11-15 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Orlando, FL.
Richardson, Y.P., K.K. Droegemeier, and R.P. Davies-Jones,
2000: The influence of horizontal variations in ve1tical shear
and low-level moisture on numerically simulated convective
storms. Preprints, 20th Conference on Severe Local Storms, 11-
15 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Orlando, FL.
Harris, D., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, D.K. Droegemeier, and J.J.
Levit, 2000: Multi-scale statistical properties of a high-
resolution precipitation forecast. Research Report UMSI 2000/
175, University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute for
Digital Simulation and Advanced Computation, 26pp. [Available
from MSI, 1200 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415.]
Gao, J., M. Xue, K.K. Droegemeier, and A. Shapiro, 2001: A 3-D
variational method for single-Doppler velocity retrieval
applied to a supercell storm case. Preprints, 30th Conf. on
Radar Meteorology, 19-25 July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Munich,
Germany, 456-458.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster, F. Carr, and K.K. Droegemeier,
2001: A three-dimensional variational data assimilation scheme
for a storm scale model. Preprints, 14th Conf. on Num. Wea.
Pred., 30 July-2 August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Fort Lauderdale,
Florida, J72-J74.
Wang, D., K.K. Droegemeier, D. Jalm, K.-M. Xu, M. Xue, and J.
Zhang, 2001: NIDS-based intermittent diabatic assimilation and
application to storm-scale numerical weather prediction.
Preprints, 14th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred., 30 July-2 August,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jl25-Jl28.
Droegemeier, K.K., K. Kelleher, T. Crum, J.J. Levit, S.A. Del
Greco, L. Miller, C. Sinclair, M. Benner, D.W. Fulker, and H.
Edmon, 2002: Project CRAFT: A test bed for demonstrating the
real time acquisition and archival of WSR-88D Level II data.
Preprints, 18th Int. Conf. on Interactive Information
Processing Systems (IIPS) for Meteorology, Oceanography, and
Hydrology., 13-17 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Orlando,
Florida, 136-139.
Nascimento, E. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: Dynamic adjustment
within an idealized numerically-simulated bow echo:
Implications for data assimilation. Preprints, Symposium on
Observations, Data Assimilation, and Probabilistic Prediction,
13-17 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Orlando, Florida.
Carr, F.H., K.K. Droegemeier, and J.F. Kimpel, 2002: A new M.S.
in Professional Meteorology Degree program at the University of
Oklahoma. Preprints, 11th Symposium on Education, 12-15
January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Orlando, Florida.
Janish, J.M., K.K. Droegemeier, and J. Gao, 2002: Relationships
between baroclinically-generated horizontal vorticity and
mesocyclone intensity as revealed by simple adjoint wind
retrievals using WSR-88D data. Preprints, 21st Conf. on Severe
Local Storms, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Yoo, H.-D., K.K. Droegemeier, K. Brewster, S.-Y. Lee, and C.-H.
Cho, 2002: Impact of radar data assimilation on the Chorwon-
Yonchon 1996 heavy rainfall event: Preliminary results.
Preprints, 3rd Joint Korea-US Workshop on Storm- and Mesa-Scale
Weather Analysis and Prediction, 21-22 February, Boulder, CO,
157-163.
Yoo, H.-D., K. K. Droegemeier, K. Brewster, S.-Y. Lee, and C.-
H. Cho, 2002: Impact of radar data assimilation on the
numerical prediction of heavy rainfall in Korea. Preprints,
15th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, San Antonio,
TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: The sensitivity of
numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis to variations in
environmental parameters. Preprints, 21st Conference on Severe
Local Storms, 12-16 August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Antonio,
TX.
Gao, J.-D., M. Xue, K. Brewster, F. Carr, and K.K. Droegemeier,
2002: New developments of a 3DVAR system for a nonhydrostatic
NWP model. Preprints, 15th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, 12-16 August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Antonio, TX.
Wilhelmson, R.B., K.K. Droegemeier, S. Graves, M. Ramamurthy,
D. Haidvogel, B. Jewett, J. Alameda, and D. Gannon, 2003:
Modeling Environment for Atmospheric Discovery (MEAD).
Preprints, 19th Int. Conf. on Interactive Information
Processing Systems (IIPS) for Meteorology, Oceanography, and
Hydrology., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Long Beach, CA.
Crum, T., K. Kelleher, P. Cragg, J. Barna, F. Toepfer, W.
Blanchard, T. Sandman, K. Droegemeier, G. Almes, and L. Miller,
2003: Progress in implementing near real time collection,
distribution, and archive of WSR-88D Level II data. Preprints,
31st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Seattle,
WA.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2003: A
3DVAR method for Doppler radar wind analysis with recursive
filter. Preprints, 31st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Seattle, WA.
Gao, J., K.K. Droegemeier, J. Gong, and Q. Xu, 2003: A wind
profile retrieval method from azimuthal gradients of radial
velocity. Preprints, 31st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Seattle, WA.
Smedsmo, J.L., V. Venugopal, F. Kong, E. Foufoula-Georgiou,
K.K. Droegemeier, 2003: A Study of the Spatial and Vertical
Structure of Modeled Hydrometeor Profiles: Insights for weather
prediction modeling and precipitation retrieval from remote
sensors. Eos Trans. AGU, 84(46), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract
A21W-1018.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2004: Linked environments for
atmospheric discovery (LEAD): A cyberinfrastructure for
mesoscale meteorology research and education. Preprints, 20th.
Conf. on Interactive Info. Processing Systems for Meteor,
Oceanography, and Hydrology, Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Levit, N., K.K. Droegemeier and F. Kong, 2004: High resolution
storm scale ensemble forecasts of the 28 March 2000 Fort Worth
tornadic storms. Preprints, 20th Conf. on Wea. Analysis and
Forecasting and 16th Conference on Num. Wea. Prediction,
Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Kong, F., K. Droegemeier, V. Venugopal, and E. Foufoula-
Georgiou, 2004: Application of scale-recursive estimation to
ensemble forecasts: A comparison of coarse and fine resolution
simulations of a deep convective storm. Preprints, 20th Conf.
on Wea. Analysis and Forecasting and 16th Conference on Num.
Wea. Prediction, Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Xue, M., M. Tong, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2005: Impact of radar
configuration and scan strategy on assimilation of radar data
using ensemble Kalman filter. Preprints, 9th Symp. On
Integrated Obs. and Assimilation Systems for the Atmos.,
Oceans, and Land Surface, 9-13 January, San Diego, CA, Amer.
Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K., J. Martin, C. Sinclair, and S.D. Hill, 2005:
An Internet-based top-tier service for the distribution of
streaming NEXRAD Level II data: CRAFT becomes an operational
system. Preprints, 21st Int. Conf. on Interactive Information
Processing Systems for Meteorology, 9-13 January, San Diego,
CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and co-authors, 2005: The National Forum for
Geosciences Information Technology (FIGIT). Preprints, 21st
Int. Conf. on Interactive Information Processing Systems for
Meteorology, 9-13 January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and co-authors, 2005: Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD): Architecture, technology road map
and deployment strategy. Preprints, 21st Int. Conf. on
Interactive Information Processing Systems for Meteorology, 9-
13 January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Yalda, S. and co-authors, 2005: LEAD learning communities and
the role of teacher-partners. Preprints, 14th Symposium on
Education, 9-13 January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
McLaughlin, D.J., V. Chandrasekar, K.K. Droegemeier, and S.J.
Frasier, 2005: Distributed collaborative adaptive sensing
(DCAS) for improved detection, understanding, and prediction of
atmospheric hazards. Preprints, 9th Symp. On Integrated Obs.
and Assimilation Systems for the Atmos., Oceans, and Land
Surface, 9-13 January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Plale, B., D. Gannon, S. Graves, D. Reed, K. Droegemeier, R.
Wilhelmson, and M. Ramamurthy, 2005: Towards dynamically
adaptive weather analysis and forecasting in LEAD. 2005 Int.
Conf. on Comput. Sci., 22-25 May, Atlanta, GA.
Godfrey, E.S., M. Tong, M. Xue, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2005:
Assimilation of simulated network radar data of varied storm
types using EnSRF for convective storm analyses and forecasts.
Preprints, 17th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction,
Washington, DC, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CD-ROM, 13A.l.
Gao, J., C. Nuttall, C. Gilreath, M. Xue, K. Brewster, and K.
Droegemeier, 2005: Multiple Doppler Wind Analysis and
Assimilation via 3DVAR using Simulated Observations of the
Planned CASA Network and WSR-88D Radars, 11th conf. on
mesoscale processes and 32nd Conference on Radar Meteorology,
CDROM J1J.4.
Ge, G., J. Gao and K. K. Droegemeier 2005: The Impact of
Different Data Fields on Storm-Scale Data Assimilation.
Preprints, 11th Conf. on Mesoscale Processes, Amer. Meteor.
Soc. CDROM JP1J.3.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster and K. K. Droegemeier, 2005: A
Three-Dimension Variational Data Assimilation Method for A
Nonhydorstatic Storm-scale Model. Abstract, 4th WMO Int. Symp.
Assimilation Obs. Meteor. Ocean., Prague, Czech Republic.
Proud, J., K. Droegemeier, V.T. Wood, and L. White, 2005:
Optimal sampling strategies for hazardous weather detection
using networks of dynamically adaptive Doppler radars.
Preprints, 32nd Conference on Radar Meteorology, Albuquerque,
NM, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Proud, J., K. Droegemeier, YT. Wood, R.A. Brown, and L. White,
2005: Optimal sampling strategies for hazardous weather
detection using networks of dynamically adaptive Doppler
radars. 86th AMS Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
Kain, John S., S.J. Weiss, M.E. Baldwin, K.K. Droegemeier, D.
Bright, J.J. Levit, D. Weber and K.W. Thomas, 2005: How much
resolution is enough? Comparing daily WRF ARW forecasts at 2
and 4 km grid spacing in severe convective weather environments
during the 2005 SPC/NSSL Spring Program. Preprints, llth Conf.
on Mesoscale Processes, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Albuquerque, NM.
McGovern, A., Kruger, A, Rosendahl, D., and Droegemeier, K.K.,
2006: Open problem: Dynamic Relational Models for Improved
Hazardous Weather Prediction. Presented at the ICML Workshop on
Open Problems in Statistical Relational Learning.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2007: A new paradigm for
mesoscale meteorology: Grid and web services-oriented research
and education in LEAD. Preprints, 23rd Int. Conf. on
Interactive Information Processing Systems for Meteorology, 14-
18 January, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Baltzer, T. and Co-Authors,2007: LEAD at the Unidata workshop:
Demonstrating the democratization of NWP capabilities.
Preprints, 23rd Conf. On Integrated Information and Processing,
15-18 January, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
McGovern, A. and Co-Authors, 2007: Understanding the formation
of tornadoes through data mining. Preprints, 23rd Int. Conf. on
Interactive Information Processing Systems for Meteorology, 14-
18 January, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Kain, J.S. and co-authors, 2007: Some practical considerations
for the first generation of operational convection-allowing
NWP: How much resolution is enough? Preprints, 18th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Pred., Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Xue, M., F. Kong, D. Weber, K. W. Thomas, Y. Wang, K. Brewster,
K. K. Droegemeier, J. S. K. S. J. Weiss, D.R. Bright, M. S.
Wandishin, M. C. Coniglio, and J. Du, 2007: CAPS realtime
storm-scale ensemble and high-resolution forecasts as part of
the NOAA hazardous weather testbed 2007 spring experiment. 22nd
Conf. Wea. Anal. Forecasting/18th Conf. Num. Wea. Pred, Salt
Lake City, Utah, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CDROM 3B.1.
Kong, F., M. Xue, Kelvin K. Droegemeier, D. Bright, M. C.
Coniglio, K. W. Thomas, Y. Wang, D. Weber, J. S. Kain, S. J.
Weiss, and J. Du, 2007: Preliminary analysis on the real-time
storm-scale ensemble forecasts produced as a part of the NOAA
hazardous weather testbed 2007 spring experiment. 22nd Conf.
Wea. Anal. Forecasting/18th Conf. Num. Wea. Pred., Salt Lake
City, Utah, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CDROM 3B.2.
Weiss, S. J., J. S. Kain, D.R. Bright, J. J. Levit, G. W.
Carbin, M. E. Pyle, Z. I. Janjic, B. S. Ferrier, J. Du, M. L.
Weisman, and M. Xue, 2007: The NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed:
Collaborative testing of ensemble and convection-allowing WRF
models and subsequent transfer to operations at the Storm
Prediction Center. 22nd Conf. Wea. Anal. Forecasting/18th Conf.
Num. Wea. Pred., Salt Lake City, Utah, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
CDROM 6B.4.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: Preliminary results
from the spring 2007 experiment of the NOAA Hazardous Weather
Test Bed: Application of LEAD to the explicit prediction of
deep convection via ensembles and dynamically adaptive
forecasts. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated Information and
Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD): Web services for meteorological
research and education. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated
Information and Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD): Web services for meteorological
research and education. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated
Information and Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Weber, D. and Co-Authors, 2008: Use of the LEAD portal for on-
demand severe weather prediction. Preprints, 24th Conf. on
Integrated Information and Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer.
Meteor. Soc.
Alameda, J. and Co-Authors, 2008: LEAD: Automatic triggering of
high resolution forecasts in response to severe weather
indications from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. Preprints,
24th Conf. on Integrated Information and Processing, New
Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Hiers, N.C. and Co-Authors, 2008: Identifying key parameters
for anticipating tornadogenesis in simulated mesoscale storms
using data mining. Preprints, Applications of Artificial
Intelligence Methods in the Context of Interactive Information
Processing Systems, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: The National Weather
Center. Third Symposium on Policy and Socio-Economic Research,
New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Marru, S., D. Gannon, S. Nadella, P. Beckman, D.B. Weber, K.A.
Brewster and K.K. Droegemeier, 2008: LEAD cyberinfrastructure
to track real-time storms using SPRUCE urgent computing.
Cyberinfrastructure Technology Watch, http://www.ctwatch.org/.
Xue, M., F. Kong, K.W. Thomas, J. Gao, Y. Wang, K. Brewster,
K.K. Droegemeier, J. Kain, S. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio,
and J. Du, 2008: CAPS realtime storm-scale ensemble and high-
resolution forecasts as part of the NOAA Hazardous Weather
Testbed 2008 spring experiment. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Severe
Local Storms, Savannah. GA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 12.2.
Kong, F., M. Xue, K.W. Thomas, K.K. Droegemeier, Y. Wang, K.
Brewster, J. Gao, J. Kain, S.J. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio,
and J. Du, 2008: Real-time storm-scale ensemble forecast
experiment: Analysis of spring 2008 experiment data. Preprints,
24th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Savannah. GA, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Paper 12.3.
Droegemeier, K.K., B. Plale, M. Ramamurthy and C. Mattocks,
2009: A new approach for using web services, grids, and virtual
organizations in mesoscale meteorological research. Preprints,
25th Conf. on Integrated Information and Processing, Phoenix,
AZ, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CD-ROM Paper 6.B2.
Xue, M., F. Kong, K.W. Thomas, J. Gao, Y. Wang, K. Brewster,
K.K. Droegemeier, J. Kain, S. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio,
and J. Du, 2009: CAPS realtime storm-scale ensemble and high-
resolution forecasts as part of the NOAA Hazardous Weather
Testbed 2008 spring experiment. Preprints, 23rd Conf on Wea.
Analys. And Forecasting and 19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5
June, Omaha, NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper J1.1.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Y. Wang, 2009: Dynamically adaptive
numerical weather prediction, models, observations and
cyberinfrastructure responding to the atmosphere. Preprints,
23rd Conf. on Wea. Analys. And Forecasting and 19th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5 June, Omaha, NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper
14A.1.
Kong, F., M. Xue, K. Thomas, Y. Wang, K.A. Brewster, J. Gao,
K.K. Droegemeier, J.S. Kain, S.J. Weiss, D.R. Bright, M.C.
Coniglio and J. Du, 2009: A real-time storm-scale forecast
system: 2009 Spring Experiment. Preprints, 23rd Conf on Wea.
Analys. And Forecasting and 19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5
June, Omaha, NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 16A2.
Mattocks, C., K.K. Droegemeier and R.B. Wilhelmson, 2009:
Integration of LEAD and WRF Portal technologies to enable
advanced research, operations and education in mesoscale
meteorology. Preprints, 23rd Conf. on Wea. Analys. And
Forecasting and 19th Conf on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5 June, Omaha,
NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 12Bl.
Xue, M., F. Kong, K.W. Thomas, J. Gao, Y. Wang, K. Brewster,
K.K. Droegemeier, X. Wang, J. Kain, S. Weiss, D. Bright, M.
Coniglio, and J. Du, 2009: CAPS realtime 4 km multi-model
convection allowing ensemble and 1 Ian convection-resolving
forecasts for the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed 2009 spring
experiment. Preprints, 23rd Conf. on Wea. Analys. And
Forecasting and 19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5 June, Omaha,
NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 16A2.
Droegemeier, K.K., L. Rothfusz, A.J. Knoedler, J.T. Ferree, J.
Henderson, K.L. Nemunaitis-Monrone, D. Nagele, and K.E.
Klockow, 2016: Living with Extreme Weather Workshop: Summary
and Path Forward. 11th Symp. On Societal Applications: Policy,
Research and Practice. New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
9.1. [Available online at https://ams.confex.com/ams/96Annual/
webprogram/Paper290837.html].
Other Articles and Media
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1984: Kelvin-Helmholtz
instability in a numerically simulated thunderstorm outflow.
16mm, color, 3 min.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1986: Numerical
simulation of a thunderstorm outflow and comparison with
laboratory density currents. 16mm color movie, 5 min. 15 sec.,
produced at Digital Productions, Los Angeles. '
Droegemeier, K.K., 1987: Numerical simulation of thunderstorm
outflows and microbursts. Cray Channels, Summer 1987, 18-23.
Droegemeier, K.K. and S. Liu, 1991: Optimization and timing
tests for ARPS 2.2 on the Cray Y-MP.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, and G. Bassett, 1993: High-
Resolution Simulations of the 20 May 1977 Del City, OK
Supercell Storm. Color Video, 7.5 min.
LEAD Investigators, LEAD Project Video for NSF Office of
Cyberinfrastructure. High Definition DVD, 2008.
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Science in the
Re-Competition of the NSF Supercomputing Centers (1996)
U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on
VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, on the Budgets of the NSF and
NASA (2004)
U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment, and Subcommittee on Research and Science
Education, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science
and Technology, Regarding the State of Hurricane Research and
H.R. 2407, the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of
2007 (2008)
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation for the hearing on Weathering the Storm: The
Need for National Hurricane Research Initiative (2009)
U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Environment,
in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science,
Space and Technology, hearing on Restoring U.S. Leadership in
Weather Forecasting, Part 2. (2013)
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation hearing on America COMPETES: Science and the US.
Economy (2013)
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation hearing on America COMPETES: Leveraging the US.
Science and Technology Enterprise (2016)
U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related
Agencies hearing on The Role of Facilities and Administrative
Costs in Supporting NIH-Funded Research (2017)
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
To be most effective, the Director of OSTP needs to have the
following qualifications and capabilities (in no particular order):
experience and respect as an accomplished scientist; experience working
on science, technology, and education policy issues, preferably with
both the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal Government
as well as relevant agencies across Government, and at the
international level as well; familiarity with the role, structure and
function of OSTP; objectivity, devotion, dedication, confidence, and
trustworthiness; respect for all disciplines; respect and appreciation
for the importance and value of diversity and inclusion in all its
dimensions, and a knowledge of how to enhance the participation of
traditionally underrepresented groups in research and education; a
tireless devotion to the position under consideration and to the
Nation; an ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of
audiences; solid values and an uncompromising ethical compass; a
passion for progress; a strong background in and working knowledge of
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education at
all levels; and the following leadership skills: (a) ability to
understand and address complex issues, placing them in context and
clarifying multiple points of view and possible solutions, including
the ability to make decisions quickly if needed, (b) ability to steward
a group of professionals and collaboratively define an agenda that
reflects the President's priorities; (c) ability to actively seek and
give value to all points of view, ensuring that all voices are heard
and that a11 relevant sources of input are utilized in everything OSTP
does; and (d) an approachability and openness for building trust with
colleagues and a comfortable, pleasant and safe working environment.
With that preface, my career has afforded me the opportunity to
both develop those attributes which arise through experience, as well
as nurture those which are more innate. Especially relevant in this
context is my service on a wide array of important national boards and
committees, often elected as chair by my peers, which both engage and
help shape the direction of the Nation's science and engineering
research and education enterprise. My 12 years on the National Science
Board (last four as Vice Chairman), nominated by Presidents of both
parties and twice confirmed by the Senate, gave me an opportunity to
actively engage on a number of important science policy issues (see my
curriculum vitae at the end of this document for details regarding my
activities on the National Science Board), as has my testimony before
Congress and my active involvement in professional policy
organizations, such as the Council on Governmental Relations, for which
I served as a board member for six years.
I have worked with OSTP in the past, principally during my tenure
on the National Science Board, on issues related to STEM education as
well as research funding priorities, structure, and peer review. At the
request in 2016 of the Baker Institute at Rice University, I
participated in the creation of a document about OSTP for the new
President following the 2016 election, and I also worked with OSTP on
nominations for the National Science Board classes of 2014 and 2016,
for which I chaired the Nominations Committee. Having given lectures on
research policy, which required study of OSTP and other relevant
organizations and activities (e.g., President's Council of Advisors on
Science and Technology, National Science and Technology Council), I am
familiar with the role, structure and function of OSTP in the National
policy framework.
As Vice President for Research at the University of Oklahoma, I
have a multi-faceted view of research, including the importance of
public private partnerships and the manner in which multiple
disciplines and organizations come together to solve some of the most
intellectually challenging and societally relevant problems. I have
been mentored by one of the Nation's most outstanding university
presidents, former U.S. Senator David L. Boren, and I have worked
extensively with members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation on
matters of research policy, as well as other Members of Congress on
occasion. In starting a private company, I have a deep appreciation for
the importance of job and wealth creation and the value of research in
moving local, regional and national economies forward. As Oklahoma
Secretary of Science and Technology, in the Cabinet of Governor Mary
Fallin, I have obtained additional insight into state-level policy
issues in both education and research, including economic development,
policies that stimulate growth, linking the academic and corporate
research enterprises, and STEM education.
As a university professor, I led several major research projects
and centers involving numerous institutions and complex budgets, and
thus understand the ``front lines'' view as well as the national view
of research and related policy issues. I have mentored numerous
students and faculty, and have given presentations on science to a vast
array of audiences--from nursing homes and grade schools to civic
organizations such as Rotary, Chambers of Commerce and alumni clubs. I
have initiated and led several major research collaborations with
private industry and have worked on numerous STEM education issues
within my institution, and at the state and national levels. I also
have, over my 33 years at the University of Oklahoma, helped develop
the academic Federal partnership within the National Weather Center,
which involves several NOAA organizations as well as academic and
research centers.
Finally, I believe, more than anything, that the OSTP Director must
be an exceptional leader and have wisdom. I have learned about
leadership by experiencing it firsthand among some exceptional mentors,
which led me to give presentations on leadership and develop a unique
Faculty Leadership Academy at my university. With humility, I can
attest that the list of leadership characteristics, enumerated as items
a-d in the first paragraph of my response in this section (18),
reflects my approach to leading and indeed my approach to life. I place
great value on people, I deeply appreciate the privilege of working
with a broad and diverse array of viewpoints, and I love solving
difficult problems by bringing to bear on them the best ideas and
approaches.
Regarding my wish to serve, I have unending love for my Country and
passion for its science, technology and education enterprises. I want
more than anything for them to thrive and to serve as beacons of
leadership for the world. OSTP plays a pivotal collaborative role in
achieving those objectives. Personally, my heart is one of serving, and
throughout my life I have been blessed with opportunities to serve and
to learn while doing so. Directing OSTP would be an extraordinary
privilege and an opportunity for me to give back to a Nation which has
given me so much.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
As the Director of OSTP, I would have the ultimate responsibility
of stewarding this important Federal agency, including ensuring that
all management and financial controls are operating with efficiency,
integrity, and in accordance with all established policies and
procedures. I have experience doing so from a variety of circumstances.
First, I have chaired the boards of non-profit organizations, such as
the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which
operates a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (the
National Center for Atmospheric Research) on behalf of the National
Science Foundation. The UCAR Board, and of course the Chair, have
ultimate fiduciary responsibility for accounting, budgeting, audits,
personnel actions, and other aspects of this $173.lM (FYl7 funding
received) organization. In that capacity I worked with the UCAR General
Counsel on a variety of issues related to audits, personnel matters,
planning, and reporting. The same is true for an organization I now
chair, the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA),
though SURA is much smaller, in size and financially, than UCAR.
Second, as a Member of the National Science Board and its Vice
Chair for four years, I was involved in strategic planning, budgeting,
audits (financial and technological), various Inspector General
reviews, and management issues relevant to the National Science
Foundation, including those of especially large projects. I worked
directly with the Inspector General on a variety of matters, and as
Vice Chair was a member of the Audit and Oversight Committee.
As Vice President for Research at the University of Oklahoma, I
steward a staff of some 80 individuals and developed an entirely new
cost accounting and data/commitment tracking system that brought fiscal
discipline to the organization, which is now a role model for the
institution. When I became Vice President, one of the first actions I
took was to initiate an internal audit to ensure that my organization
was complying with all rules, policies and procedures. The audit
determined that some controls needed strengthening (e.g., timely
deposits of cash), and those actions were taken immediately.
Also in this capacity, units within my organization undergo both
internal and external audits, with examples of the latter being White
House Office of Management and Budget audits for compliance with 2 CFR
200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards). During my tenure as Vice President,
none of the units under my purview have had an 0MB audit finding.
I am now working with the OU Dean of Libraries, and the OU Interim
Chief Information Officer/Vice President for Information Technology, on
the outcome of an audit of the University's research-related
information technology. One written recommendation was issued, and it
concerns the University's need to develop an interim approach for
compliance of grants and contacts subject to a DFARS (Defense Federal
Acquisition Regulations Supplement) 252.204-7012 clause for Controlled
but Unclassified Information (CUI). That process is now underway with a
target completion date of July 2018.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
As a preface to my answer, I wish to note that the roles of OSTP
and its Director are clearly defined in Public Law 94-282.
Consequently, it is within that context I describe the following three
challenges.
The first challenge is to ensure that the President's priorities in
science and technology, their alignment with his policy objectives, and
views held by the President regarding the importance of science and
technology in America's future are communicated effectively to all
stakeholders (i.e., the research community, Congress, the private
sector, and non-profit organizations) and used to shape the Nation's
future research and policy roadmaps. It is impo1iant that the U.S.
remain a global leader in science, technology, and innovation, and that
stakeholders understand the value placed by this Administration on
research. Additionally, it is vitally important that research outcomes
be translated efficiently and effectively to solve problems, create new
companies and jobs, ensure the safety and security of America, prepare
the workforce of the future; and ensure that the U.S. is seen as a
trusted partner in important international research activities.
The second challenge involves OSTP working to ensure that the U.S.
science and technology research and education enterprise (spanning the
spectrum from basic or discovery research to applied research and
development) is robust, efficient, operating with the highest levels of
integrity and effectiveness, addressing the greatest challenges of
today and preparing for challenges of the future, and is informing
policies of the Executive Branch. This is especially important as China
and other nations continue to exhibit rapid growth in important
measures of research productivity and investment.
Finally, a secure, prosperous and healthy America depends upon the
availability of a robust and diverse workforce that spans the spectrum
from doctoral degree-holding researchers and practitioners in STEM
fields to skilled trade and crafts persons trained and educated in
career techs and two-year colleges. OSTP and PCAST (President's Council
of Advisors on Science and Technology) have in the past opined on the
STEM education and workforce issue, as has the National Science Board,
principally in the context of post-secondary STEM degrees. And
excellent work is happening today in STEM education policy led by OSTP.
A comprehensive approach is essential for ensuring that the full
ecosystem of jobs and skills, and the dynamic interaction among them,
is understood and utilized as a way to most effectively create the
workforce of the future. This is especially important because of the
rapid pace of technology, which often requires, or affords an
opportunity for, one to re invent oneself multiple times during the
course of a career. To ensure such capability exists, and that all
areas of the country and all individuals are able to contribute to the
workforce, the connective tissue across all institutions and levels of
education and training needs to be strengthened.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
As a faculty member and executive officer of the University of
Oklahoma, I do not have any clients, customers, or business associates
from a financial point of view. Below are shown my retirement accounts:
TIAA/CREF OU Defined Contribution Plan, current value of
Fidelity Investments Defined Contribution Plan, current
value of
TIAA/CREF Brokerage Account, current value of
Oklahoma Teacher's Retirement, current value unknown but
likely approximately
U.S. Social Security, current value unknown.
Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. Common Stock, current
value
Met Life IRA (candidate), current value of
Met Life IRA (spouse), current value of
Personal savings account, Republic Bank and Trust, current
value of
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
The only commitment I will maintain if confirmed is continued
affiliation with the University of Oklahoma as a tenured professor, for
which I am in the process of requesting a leave of absence without pay.
I am eligible for such a leave; however, because such leaves must be
approved by the University's Board of Regents, which conducts its
business in a public forum, it is appropriate that I withhold
submission of my request to the Regents, until directed by the White
House, so as to avoid pre-empting the White House regarding any formal
public announcement of intent to nominate or to nominate.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and OSTP's Designated Agency
Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of interest. If
confirmed, any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement that I have entered
into with OSTP's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential
conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and OSTP's Designated Agency
Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of interest. If
confirmed, any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement that I have entered
into with OSTP's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential
conflicts of interest.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
Apart from Congressional testimony noted in Section A17, which
involved testifying on various bills, I have been asked by Members of
my congressional delegation to assist them with bills by providing
input and suggestions (the Grant Act by Senator Lankford, the Weather
Forecast Improvement Act by Representatives Bridenstine and Lucas, and
the FY17 Omnibus by Congressman Cole). As a member of the National
Science Board from 2004-2016, I interacted with Chairman Lamar Smith of
the House Science Committee on policy affecting the National Science
Foundation. In my role as Vice President for Research at the University
of Oklahoma (OU), I work with the OU Vice President for Governmental
Relations, and OU's consultants, to provide input on the content of
various bills. I have attempted to influence legislation, in my role as
Vice President for Research and through the individuals at my
university mentioned in the previous sentence, in a bill and/or
amendments offered from 2014-2016 which sought to eliminate the
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
Additionally, I provided input on a draft bill, never submitted to my
knowledge, which would have improved the ability of universities to
negotiate intellectual property provisions with corporate sponsors.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and OSTP's Designated Agency
Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of interest. If
confirmed, any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement that I have entered
into with OSTP's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential
conflicts of interest.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Curriculum Vitae of Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Education
B.S. in Meteorology with Special Distinction, University of Oklahoma,
1980
M.S. in Atmospheric Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign, 1982
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign, 1985
Advisor: Professor Robert B. Wilhelmson
Dissertation Title: The Numerical Simulation of Thunderstorm
Outflow Dynamics
Professional Employment
Vice President for Research, University of Oklahoma, 2009 to Present
Weathernews Chair Emeritus of Applied Meteorology, University of
Oklahoma, 2009 to Present
Director Emeritus, Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms,
University of Oklahoma, 2006 to Present
Associate Vice President for Research, University of Oklahoma, 2005-
2009
Weathernews Chair in Applied Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 2005-
2009
Director, Sasaki Institute, University of Oklahoma, 2005-2009
Roger and Sherry Teigen Presidential Professor, University of Oklahoma,
2004 (life)
Co-Founder and Deputy Director, Center for Collaborative Adaptive
Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) (NSF Engineering Research Center),
University of Oklahoma (in partnership with University of Massachusetts
at Amherst, Colorado State University, University of Puerto Rico at
Mayaguez) 2003-2008
Regents' Professor, University of Oklahoma, November, 2001 (life)
Professor, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, July 1998 to
Present
OU Associates Foundation Presidential Professor, University of
Oklahoma, 1998-2002
Founder and Director, Environmental Computing Applications System
(research and educational supercomputing center), University of
Oklahoma, 1996-2001
Co-Founder (1989) and Director (1994-2006), Center for Analysis and
Prediction of Storms (CAPS) (NSF Science and Technology Center),
University of Oklahoma
Associate Professor, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma,
1991-1998 Director of Model Development Program, Center for Analysis
and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, 1989-1994
Visiting Senior Fellow, Army High Performance Computing Research
Center, University of Minnesota (Sabbatical) 1 January-30 June 1992
Deputy Director, Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms,
University of Oklahoma July 1991-February 1992
Assistant Professor, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma,
1985-1991
Deputy Director for Research, Center for Analysis and Prediction of
Storms, University of Oklahoma, 1989-1991
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Illinois, 1980-1985
Meteorological Technician, National Severe Storms Laboratory, 1978-1980
Meteorological Aide, National Severe Storms Laboratory, 1976-1978
Federal Government Appointments
Appointed by President George W. Bush to the National Science Board and
confirmed by the U.S. Senate (2004-2010)
Appointed by President Barack H. Obama to the National Science Board
and confirmed by the U.S. Senate (2011-2016) (Vice Chairman of the
Board 2012-2016)
State Government Appointments
Appointed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to the Governor's Science
and Technology Council (20ll to Present) and Chair of Sub-Committee on
Research
Appointed by Oklahoma Governor Marry Fallin as Cabinet Secretary of
Science and Technology, (2017 to Present)
Company Creation
Founder of Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. (1999)
Congressional Testimony
U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Science in the Re-
Competition of the NSF Supercomputing Centers (1996)
U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on VA, HUD
and Independent Agencies, on the Budgets of the NSF and NASA (2004)
U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy and Environment,
and Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, U.S. House of
Representatives
Committee on Science and Technology, Regarding the State of Hurricane
Research and H.R. 2407, the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act
of 2007 (2008)
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for the
hearing on Weathering the Storm: The Need for National Hurricane
Research Initiative (2009)
U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Environment, in the U.S.
House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology,
hearing on Restoring U.S. Leadership in Weather Forecasting, Part 2.
(2013)
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing
on America COMPETES: Science and the U.S. Economy (2013)
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing
on America COMPETES: Leveraging the U.S. Science and Technology
Enterprise (2016)
U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies hearing on
The Role of Facilities and Administrative Costs in Supporting NIH-
Funded Research (2017)
Professional Consulting
Sperry Commercial Flight Systems Group, Honeywell Corporation. (1989-
1992)
Climatological Consulting Corporation (UAL Flight #585, Colorado
Springs, Colorado, 1997)
American Airlines (AA Flight #242, Dickinson, North Dakota, 1997)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (AA Flight #903, Florida
Peninsula, 1997-1998)
American Airlines (AA Flight #1420, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1999-2002)
American Airlines (AA Flight #587, New York, New York, 2002-2007)
Air France (AF Flight #358, Toronto, Canada, 2006-2008)
Continental Airlines (CAL Flight #1404, Denver, Colorado, 2009-2013)
Continental Airlines (CAL Flight #511, McAllen, Texas, 2010-2011)
Depositions Given as Expert Witness
American Airlines Flight #1420 accident deposition given 1 March 2001
in Dallas, Texas
Continental Airlines Flight #1404 accident deposition given 10 December
2010 in Dallas, Texas
Continental Airlines Flight #511 in-flight incident deposition given 31
May 2011 in Dallas, Texas
Continental Airlines Flight #1404 accident deposition given 21 June
2012 in Dallas, Texas
Continental Airlines Flight #1404 accident deposition given 13
September 2012 in Dallas, Texas
National Science Board Leadership Activities (2004-2016)
Member of Vannevar Bush Award Selection Committee, National Science
Board (2006)
Co-Chair, Hurricane Science and Engineering Task Force, National
Science Board (2005-2007)
[Publication: ``Hurricane Warning--The Critical Need for a
National Hurricane Research Initiative, available at http://
www.nsf.gov/nsb/committees/archive/hurricane/initiative.pdf]
Member, Task Force on Transformative Research, National Science Board
(2006-2007)
[Publication: ``Enhancing Support of Transformative Research at
the National Science Foundation,'' available at http://
www.nsf.gov/nsb/documents/2007/tr_report.pdf]
Member, Vannevar Bush Award Selection Committee, National Science Board
(2006-2007)
Chair, Task Force on Cost Sharing, National Science Board (2007-2009)
[Publication: ``Investing in the Future: NSF Cost Sharing
Policies for a Robust Federal Research Enterprise,'' available
at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsb0920/nsb0920.pdf]
Chair, ad hoc Committee on Nominating for NSB Elections, National
Science Board (2008)
Chair, Committee on Programs and Plans, National Science Board (2008-
2010)
Member, National Science Board Executive Committee (2011-2016)
Chair, National Science Board ad hoc Committee on Nominating for NSB
Elections (2011)
Member, National Science Board Sub-Committee on Facilities (2011-2014)
Co-Chair, National Science Board Task Force on Mid-Scale Research
(2011-2012)
[Publication: ``The National Science Foundation Support of
Unsolicited Mid Scale Research,'' available at http://
www.nsf.gov/nsb/publications/2012/nsb1222.pdf]
Vice Chairman, National Science Board (2012-2016)
Member, National Science Board Task Force on Administrative Burdens
(2012-2013)
Chair, National Science Board ad hoc Committee on Nominating for NSB
Elections (2013)
Chair, National Science Board Committee on Science and Engineering
Indicators (2014-2016)
[Publication: Multiple documents at http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/sei/
index.jsp]
Chair, National Science Board ad hoc Task Force on NEON (2015-2016)
[Report pending public release.]
Principal Accomplishments During Tenure as Vice President for Research
Achieved Carnegie R1 (Highest Research Activity) status (2011)
Led Aspire 2020 strategic planning process to create decadal roadmap
for research and creative activity
Created new budgeting and commitment tracking/payment system in Office
of the Vice President for Research (VPR)
Created the Center for Research Program Development and Enrichment in
the VPR Office (works individually with faculty to scaffold their
scholarly programs for the long term, build teams, identify funding,
create opportunity)
Created the Broader Impacts in Research position in the VPR Office
(diversity enhancement, engagement, education and outreach)
Created the Research Statistics and Analysis Group in the VPR Office
(data analytics regarding all aspects of research enterprise)
Created the Office of Undergraduate Research reporting jointly to the
VPR and Provost
Created the Defense/Security/Intelligence Research Initiative
Established Distinguished Faculty Fellow positions in the VPR Office
Created the VPR Advisory Committee
Created the Research Liaison Program (one faculty member in each
academic department to liaise with the VPR Office)
Created the Center for Applied Research and Development within the VPR
Office (assists faculty in working with companies and mission agencies
on applied R&D projects)
Established the University Strategic Organization Program
(institutional investment in centers and institutes that are
foundational to the University's scholarship enterprise)
Restructured the Research Council internal funding portfolio (larger
awards, less prescription, funding of faculty release time)
Established the Faculty Challenge Grant Program
Created the VPR Awards Program
Created the Arts and Humanities Faculty Fellowship Program
Helped establish and fund the Humanities Forum
Established bi-weekly informal lunches with a dozen faculty across all
disciplines
Created the Center for Autonomous Sensing and Sampling (reports to VPR)
Created the Recognition Program for Exceptional Achievements in
Research and Creative Activity (incentive and reward salary bonus
program for highly prestigious achievement)
Created the Faculty Leadership Academy
Created the monthly President's R&D Highlights publication
Oversee production of the yearly Red Book of Federal Research
Priorities for engaging the Oklahoma Congressional delegation
Supported creation of an electronic routing system (Cayuse) for grant
proposals
Created Faculty and Staff Publication Support Program (subvention, open
access) Restructured Faculty Travel Assistance Program
Established Annual State of Norman Campus Research town hall meeting
Established the National Institute for Risk and Resilience (reports to
VPR)
Created the Plains Institute for coordinating environmental portfolio
(reports to VPR)
Chaired the Research Campus (research/industrial park) Planning and
Governance Committees
Assisted with the construction of Four Partners Place, Five Partners
Place, and the Radar Innovations Laboratory on the Research Campus
Oversaw construction and management of the Devon Energy Hall Clean Room
Chaired campus STEM Education Committee and organized a planning
charrette
Created VPR Annual Report
Coordinated several cluster hiring initiatives (radar, social science,
environment)
Created and now Chair the Regional VPR/VCR Group (approximately 26
institutions among 12 states in the Midwest)
Established Memorandum of Understanding with Tsinghua University,
Beijing, China
Established research engagement with Brazil via the OU in Rio Program
Assisting with recruitment of private companies to the Research Campus
Fundraising and Development
Worked with President David L. Boren and CEO of American Airlines to
establish the American Airlines Professorship in Meteorology
Worked with President David L. Boren and Dean John T. Snow to establish
the Williams Chair in the School of Meteorology
Worked with President David L. Boren and VPR Lee Williams to raise $16M
for the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center
Worked with Dean John T. Snow to establish the Mark and Kandi McCasland
Chair in the School of Meteorology
Led an initiative to obtain a $3M gift from a private family to create
the National Alliance for Social-Behavioral Systems and Extreme
Environmental Events
Presenter at various Office of Development fundraising events
Professional/Honorary Society Memberships and Service
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society, University of Oklahoma (1978)
Mortar Board, University of Oklahoma (1979)
American Meteorological Society, Student Member (1976-1985)
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society (1983)
American Meteorological Society, Full Member (1986)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (1985)
American Geophysical Union (1986)
American Association of University Professors (1985)
Vice-President, OU Chapter of Sigma Xi (1987)
President, OU Chapter of Sigma Xi (1988)
Fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological
Studies (1986 to Present)
Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (1989)
American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (1989)
Vice President, Central Oklahoma Chapter of the AMS (1997-1998)
Vice President, Central Oklahoma Chapter of the NWA (1997-1998)
Councilor of the American Meteorological Society (2004-2008)
Member, Council on Competitiveness Technology Leadership & Strategy
Initiative (TLSI) (2016 to Present)
Personal & Community Service and Leadership
Author of a 170-word, daily weather science column for the Daily
Oklahoman newspaper (July 1999-July 2001)
Board of Directors, Norman, Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce (2003-2006;
2009-2012)
Chair, Weather and Climate Team, Oklahoma Economic Development
Generating Excellence (EDGE) Governor's Task Force (2003)
Member, Worship Team, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (1994-2009)
Deacon, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2003-2005)
Co-Chair, Norman, Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Weather Committee
Board of Advisors, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2005-2007)
Board of Trustees, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2007-2009)
Elder, Riverside Church, Norman, Oklahoma (2009-2010)
Head Usher, Life Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (2013 to Present)
Awards and Special Recognition
George Lynn Cross Scholarship, University of Oklahoma (1978-1979)
Dresser Engineering Scholarship, University of Oklahoma (1979-1980)
OU Engineering Dean's Student Advisory Council (1979-1980)
Tau Beta Pi Fellowship (1980)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (1981)
University of Illinois Fellowship (1981-1982)
Outstanding Young Men of American (1982)
Outstanding First-time Presentation, 12th Conference on Severe Local
Storms, San Antonio, TX, American Meteorological Society (1982)
University of Illinois Fellowship (1982-1983)
University of Illinois Fellowship (1983-1984)
Sigma Xi Research Paper Award, University of Illinois (1985)
Who's Who in Technology Today (1985)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1986)
Presidential Young Investigator, National Science Foundation (1987-
1992)
Oklahoma State Senate Citation (1987)
Fellow of the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological
Studies (1987 to Present)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1987)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1988)
OU Associates Distinguished Lectureship Award (1989)
Professor of the Year, College of Geosciences (1991)
Discover Magazine Award for Technology Innovation to CAPS (computer
software category) (1997)
Computerworld Smithsonian Award to CAPS (science category) (1997)
OU Associates Presidential Professorship (1998)
NSF Pioneer Award (2001)
Regents' Professorship, University of Oklahoma (2001)
Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (2002)
NOAATech 2002 Award for Best Use of Advanced Networks: ``WSR-88D Radar
Data over the Internet/NGI'' (co-recipient, 2002)
Federal Aviation Administration Excellence in Aviation Award (2002)
Roger and Sherry Teigen Presidential Professorship (2004)
Invited Speaker for the Millennium Lecture Series, UTEP (2006)
Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
(2014)
University of Illinois Department of Atmospheric Sciences Distinguished
Alumni Speaker (2016)
Rod Rose Award for best article in the Journal of Research
Administration (2017)
Selected Departmental and University Service Activities
Undergraduate Advisor (1985 to Present)
Member of Advisory Council, Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale
Meteorological Studies (1987-1988)
Member, School of Meteorology Graduate Studies Committee (1988-1990)
Coordinator of Oklahoma Symposium on High-Performance Scientific
Computing (1987)
Chairman, OU Campus Computing Advisory Committee (1987-1989)
Administrative Director, Geosciences Computing Network (1987-1989)
Member, EECS Faculty Search Committee (1989)
Member, Math Department Chair Search Committee (1989)
Chairman, School of Meteorology Graduate Studies Committee (1989-1990)
Facilitator for Course on Numerical Grid Generation, Televised from
Mississippi State University (Spring 1990)
Member of the State of Oklahoma Supercomputer Advisory Committee (1990)
Coordinated purchase and installation of the CAPS computer system
(1992)
Faculty Advisor to School of Meteorology Student Affairs Committee
(1993)
Chairman, University of Oklahoma Task Force on Computer Networking
(1994-1995)
Capstone Course Mentor (1994-1997)
Member, Engineering Dean Search Committee (1996-1998)
Member, Budget Council (1996-1998)
Member, School of Meteorology Committee A (executive committee) (1996-
1998)
Chair of Environmental Computing Applications System Steering Committee
and Director of ECAS (1996-1999)
Chair of School of Meteorology Budget Sub-Committee (1996-1997)
Member of OU Research Council (1997-2000)
Member, Faculty Senate Task Force on Intellectual Property (1998)
Vice Chair of OU Top 10 Scientists Group (1998)
OU Speakers Bureau (1997-1998)
Member, Search Committee for the Director of the Office of Research
Administration (1998)
Member, Presidential Professorship Selection Committee (1998-2001)
Member, Conflict of Interest Advisory Committee (1998-2000)
Member, Technology Development Council Task Force on Computing (1998)
Chair of OU Research Council (1999-2000)
Initiated Effort to Create the American Airlines Endowed Professorship
in Meteorology (1999)
Member, Graduate Studies Committee, OU School of Meteorology (1999-
2001)
Member of Ad Hoc Undergraduate Committee, OU School of Meteorology
(1999-2005)
Search Committee, Associate Vice President for Technology Development
(2000)
Member of Lowry Chair Search Committee (1999-2001)
Member of Williams Chair Search Committee (2001-2002)
Chair of SoM Undergraduate Studies Committee (2001-2005)
Member, Board of Advisors, OU Supercomputing Center for Education &
Research (2001 to Present)
Member, OU Patent Advisory Committee (2003-2005)
Member, Two Faculty Search Committees in SoM (radar hires) (2003-2005)
Member, ECE Chair Search Committee (2004-2005)
Member, Search Committee for the Dean of the College of Earth and
Energy (2005-2006)
Facilitator of Research Retreats for the College of Earth and Energy
(2005)
Member, OU Renaissance Project Planning Committee (2006-2007)
Chair of Eddie Carol Smith Scholarship Selection Committee (2006)
Member, OU Research Cabinet (2006-2016)
Member, K20Center/Education College Faculty Search Committee (2006-
2008)
Member, State of Oklahoma EPSCoR Committee (2007 to Present)
Member, McCasland Chair Search Committee (2007-2008)
Member, Graduate College Outstanding Dissertation Award Selection
Committee (2008)
Member, Task Force on Establishing a Doctoral Program, OU College of
Architecture (2009)
Member, Selection Committee, Regents' Award for Superior Staff
Performance (2010)
Member, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2013-2016)
President, OU University Club Board of Trustees (2014-2015)
Member, Search Committee, Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey
(2014)
Chair, State EPSCoR Subcommittee on Strategic Planning (2014-2015)
Co-Chair, Environmental Leadership Search Committee (2015-2016)
Member, OU Graduate Education Task Force (2015-2017)
Founding Director of OU Faculty Leadership Academy (2015 to Present)
Convocation Address to Graduate College Graduating Class, OU Health
Sciences Center (2016)
Selected Professional Development and Service Activities
Summer Faculty Fellow, Minnesota Supercomputer Institute (1986)
Member, Joint Peer Review Board, National Center for Supercomputing
Applications and Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center (1987-1991)
Member, American Meteorological Society STAC Committee on Severe Local
Storms (1987-1990)
Member, NCAR Supercomputer Upgrade Panel (1989)
Visiting Scientist, Minnesota Supercomputer Institute (1990)
Program Co-Chairman, 16th AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms (1990)
Member, AMS Committee on Severe Local Sto1ms (1987-1990)
Associate Editor, Monthly Weather Review (1991-1999)
Member, Review Panel, NSF High Performance Computing and Communications
Program (1992)
Visiting Senior Fellow, Army High Performance Computing Research
Center, University of Minnesota (1992)
Member, AMS/EPA Steering Committee on Air Quality (1992-1994)
Co-Organizer, Workshop on High-Performance Computing in the
Geosciences, Leos Houches, France (1993)
Member, U.S. Weather Research Program Prospectus Development Team #1
(1994)
Member, University Relations Committee, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research (1995-2001)
Co-Organizer, 1st Joint US-Korea Workshop on Storm- and Mesa-Scale
Weather Analysis and Prediction (1996)
Member, University Governance Examination Team, University Corporation
for Atmospheric Research (1996)
Member, U.S. Weather Research Program Proposal Review Panel (1996)
Member, U.S. Weather Research Program Scientific Steering Committee
(1997-2001)
Co-Organizer, 2nd Joint US-Korea Workshop on Storm- and Mesa-Scale
Weather Analysis and Prediction (1997)
Member, National Centers for Environmental Prediction Review Panel for
Aviation Weather Center (1998)
Co-Chair, U.S. Weather Research Program Prospectus Development Team #9
(1998)
Member, Geosciences-2000 Working Group, National Science Foundation
(1998-1999)
Member, User Advisory Council, National Computational Science Alliance
(1998-2000)
Member, Scientific Computing Division Advisory Panel, National Center
for Atmospheric Research (1998-2003)
Chair, University Relations Committee, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research (1998-1999)
Member, Planning Committee of the World Weather Research Program Sydney
Olympics 2000 Forecast Demonstration Project (1998-2000)
Co-Organizer of the First Study Conference on Aviation Weather Hazards
(1998)
Member of the Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Technology
Development's Terabit Testbed Network Advisory Panel
Founder and Manager of Project CRAFT: The Collaborative Radar
Acquisition Field Test (CRAFT) (1998-2006)
Gave Congressional Briefing on the 3 May 1999 Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak
(1999)
Organizer and Chair, National Symposium on the Great Plains Tornado
Outbreak of 3 May 1999 (2000)
Member, Organizing Committee, U.S. Weather Research Program Workshop on
Research Needs of the Private Sector (2000)
Organizer, Special Issue of the American Meteorological Society Journal
Weather and Forecasting
evoted to the May 3rd Tornado Outbreak (2000-2001)
Leader, Analysis and Verification Team, Weather Research and Forecast
(WRF) Model Project (2000)
Participant in the Higher Education Academy of the Oklahoma Educator's
Leadership Academy (2000-2001)
Member, Advisory Committee, NSF Geosciences (GO) Directorate (2001-
2005)
Member, Blue Ribbon Panel on Cyber Infrastructure, National Science
Foundation (2001-2002)
Member, National Science Foundation Proposal Review Panel, 4th Science
and Technology Centers Competition (2001)
Member, Board of Trustees, University Corporation for Atmospheric
Research (2001-2008)
Member, Organizing Committee, Workshop 9n Cyberinfrastructure for
Environmental Research and Education (2002)
Member, National Research Council Committee on Weather Forecasting
Accuracy for FAA Air Traffic Control (2002)
Attendee, American Meteorological Society Summer Colloquium on Science
and Public Policy (2002)
Adjunct Member of the National Weather Service Science and Technology
Integration Plan (STIP) Observing Integrated Planning Team (ObsIPT)
(2002)
Member, Organizing Committee, EPSCoR Workshop on Cyberinfrastructure
(2002-2003)
Member, National Science Foundation Steering Committee for
Cyberinfrastructure Research and Development in the Atmospheric
Sciences (CyRDAS) (2002-2003)
Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research (2003-2004)
Chair, U.S. Weather Research Program CONDUIT/CRAFT Steering Committee
(2003-2007)
Member, Advisory Committee, NSF Directorate for Computing Information
Science and Engineering (CISE) (2003-2004)
Member, Review Panel, NSF Extensible Terascale Facility (ETF) proposal
solicitation (2003)
Member, ad hoc Search Committee for a Senior Scientist at Howard
University (2003)
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research (2004-2008)
Member, Advisory Committee, NCAR Data Assimilation Strategic Initiative
(2004-2006)
Member, Sasaki Applied Meteorology Research Institute (SAMRI) Council
(2004-2006)
Member of Southeastern Research Universities Association (SURA) High
Performance Computing/Grid Planning Group (2004-2005)
Appointed by President George W. Bush to the National Science Board
(2004-2010)
Councilor, American Meteorological Society (2004-2008)
Member, Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model Research Advisory
Board (2005-2006)
Member, National LambdaRail (NLR) Science Research Council (NSRC)
(2005-2007)
Member, Data Center Blue Ribbon Panel, National Center for Atmospheric
Research (2005-2006)
Member, Advisory Committee, National Center for Computational Sciences
and the Computer Science and Math Division, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (2006)
Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Microsoft Research Corporation
(changed to Microsoft External Research Advisory Board in January,
2009) (2006-2008)
Member, National Advisory Council, Renaissance Computing Institute
(2007-2010)
Member, Program Committee for e-Science 2007 Conference (2007)
Member, TeraGrid Requirements Analysis Team (2007-2008)
Member, Board of Directors, National Weather Museum and Science Center
(2009-2017)
Member of Search Committee for Director, National Center for
Atmospheric Research (2008)
Chair, UCAR Review Panel for the NOAA Aviation Weather Center, Storm
Prediction Center, Environmental Modeling Center, NCEP Central
Operations (2008-2009)
Member, Board of Directors, Council on Governmental Relations (2009-
2014)
Member, Program Committee for e-Science 2009 Conference (2009)
Member, Program Committee for the 10th IEEE/ACM International Symposium
on Cluster, Cloud and Grid Computing (CCGrid 2010; 2009-2010)
Member, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
(2010-2013)
Member, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
Foundation (2010-2013)
Member, Advisory Committee, Computer Science and Mathematics Division,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2010-2012)
Member, AAU Task Force on Strengthening the University-Government
Research Partnership (2010 to Present)
Member, Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities Research
Association (2011 to Present)
Member, Presidential Search Committee, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research (2011)
Member, Oklahoma Governor's Science and Technology Council (2011 to
Present)
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Foundation (2011-2013)
Member, Executive Committee, Association of Public and Land Grant
Universities Council on Research Policy and Graduate Education (2011-
2014)
Member, Board on Research Data and Information, National Research
Council of the National Academies (2011-2015, 2016-2019)
Member, Search Committee for the Director of the NOAA National Weather
Service (2012)
Chairman-Elect, Council on Research Policy and Graduate Education,
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (2012-2013)
Member, National Research Council Panel on Information Science at the
A1my Research Laboratory (2013-2015)
Chair, Development and Relations Committee, Southeastern Universities
Research Association (SURA) Board of Directors (2013-2015)
Member, Board of Directors, Association of Public and Land Grant
Universities (APLU) (2013-2014)
Member, NCAR Director Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel (2014)
Chairman, Council on Research (formerly Council on Research Policy and
Graduate Education), Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
(2013-2014)
Keynote Speaker, Governor Mary Fallin's Annual STEM Summit (2015)
Creator of and Host for the Inaugural Meeting of Central and Southern
Plains Vice Presidents and Vice Chancellors for Research, University of
Oklahoma
Member, Board of Directors, The Alliance for Science and Technology
Research in America (ASTRA) (2014 to Present)
Member Presidential Search Committee, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research (2015-2016)
Past-Chairman, Council on Research (Formerly the Council on Research
Policy and Graduate Education), Association of Public and Land Grant
Universities (2014-2016)
Member, NSF Search Committee for Director of Office of Integrative
Activities (2015-2016)
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities
Research Association (SURA) (2016-2018)
Member, NSF Assistant Director of Geosciences Search Committee (2016)
Leader of the Central and Southern Plains Vice Presidents and Vice
Chancellors for Research Group and Chair of the Executive Committee
(2014 to Present)
Member, State of Oklahoma EPSCoR Executive Subcommittee
Invited Participant, Future of OSTP Planning Meeting, Sponsored by the
Baker Institute, Rice University (2016)
Member, Council on Competitiveness Technology Leadership and Strategy
Initiative (2016 to Present)
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities Research
Association (SURA) (2018 to Present)
Courses Taught at the University of Oklahoma (*indicates developed new)
Introduction to Meteorology (Undergraduate)
Atmospheric Dynamics I (Undergraduate)
Atmospheric Dynamics II (Undergraduate)
Mesoscale Meteorology (Undergraduate)
*Computational Fluid Dynamics I (Graduate)
*Computational Fluid Dynamics II (Graduate)
Convective Dynamics and Modeling (Graduate)
Numerical Weather Prediction (Graduate)
*Variational Data Assimilation (Graduate)
Physical Mechanics for Meteorology (Undergraduate)
*Severe and Unusual Weather (Undergraduate)
Advanced Synoptic Meteorology (Graduate)
Synoptic-Dynamic Meteorology (Undergraduate)
*Hazardous Weather Detection and Prediction (Senior Undergraduate/
Graduate)
*Demystifying the Academic Research Enterprise--DARE (Online, All
Disciplines, All Levels Undergraduate and Graduate)
Previous Externally-Sponsored Research Grants
NOAA ``Central Oklahoma Mesoscale Modeling and Analysis
Project''. Principal Investigator, $8,199. (6/15/86
to 8/15/86).
NSF ``Numerical Simulation and Observational Analysis of
Thunderstorms and Subcloud Phenomena''. Principal
Investigator, $125,920. (7/15/86 to 7/14/88).
NOAA ``Central Oklahoma Mesoscale Modeling and Analysis
Project''. Principal Investigator, $12,891. (12/1/86
to 5/31/88).
Keck Research Foundation--Proposal to Upgrade the Digital
Image Processing Facilities of the Geosciences
Computing Network. Co-Principal Investigator (with
T.H.L. Williams), $350,000. (December, 1988)
OCAST Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and
Technology, Computer System for Digital Image
Processing and Graphic Visualization. Principal
Investigator, $100,000 (November, 1989).
Honeywell Sperry Commercial Flight Systems Group, Air Transport
Systems Division--``Development of an Expert System
for the Honeywell Windshear Computer Using Data from
a Numerical Thunderstorm Model. Part I. Computations
Support''. Principal Investigator, $8,095. Yr 1.
Honeywell Sperry Commercial Flight Systems Group, Air Transport
Systems Division--``Development of an Expert System
for the Honeywell Windshear Computer Using Data from
a Numerical Thunderstorm Model. Part I. Computations
Support''. Principal Investigator, $8,900. Yr 2.
NSF ``Convective Modeling and Predictability Studies''.
Principal Investigator, $177,606. (2/15/89 to 7/1/
91).
NSF ``Simulation of Meso-and Convective-Scale Dynamics''.
Presidential Young Investigator Award. Principal
Investigator. (Funded 1987-1992)
1st year funding, including NSF and
industrial match: $247,040 (1987-1988)
2nd year funding, including NSF and
industrial match: $137,984 (1988-1989)
3rd year funding, including NSF and
industrial match: $142,500 (1989-1990)
4th year funding, including NSF and
industrial match: $ 99,500 (1990-1991)
5th year funding, including NSF and
industrial match: $100,000 (1991-1992)
NSF ``Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS)''. Science and Technology Research Center. Co-
Principal Investigator (with D. Lilly) and Deputy
Director for Research, $4,900,000. (1988-1993, first
5 of 11 years).
NSF ``Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS)''. Science and Technology Research Center. Co-
Principal Investigator (with D. Lilly, F. Carr, and
T. Gal-Chen) and Deputy Director, $8,617,076. (1992-
1997).
FAA ``Parameter Retrieval from Doppler Radar Observations
and Development of Related Mesoscale Prediction
Models''. Co-Principal Investigator (with D. Lilly
and T. Gal-Chen), $295,092. (1991-1993).
NSF ``Further Development of the CAPS Advanced Regional
Prediction System''. Principal Investigator
(supplement to CAPS grant from Army Atmospheric
Sciences Laboratory), $17,529. (1992).
EDR ``Numerical Simulation of Fog Formation in Complex
Terrain Using the ARPS Model''. Principal
Investigator, $63,633, (Nov 1993-Oct 1994). Year 1 of
3 Years.
NSF ``Dynamics and Predictability of Convective Storms''.
Principal Investigator, $118,100 (1 Jul 1993-30 Jun
1994)
EDR ``Numerical Simulation of Fog Formation in Complex
Terrain Using the ARPS Model''. Principal
Investigator, $78,869 (Nov 1994-Oct 1995). Year 2 of
3 years.
FAA ``Supplement to the Center for Analysis and Prediction
of Storms (CAPS)'' Principal Investigator (with J.T.
Lee), $292,262.
NSF ``Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS)''. Principal Investigator (with D. Lilly, F.
Carr, J. Straka, and Q. Xu), $1,586,383.
AMR Corp ``Project Hub-CAPS: Developing a Prototype Storm-Scale
NWP System for Commercial Aviation. Principal
Investigator, $342,630, year-1 of 3 years (1 July
1996-31 June 1997).
NSF ``Dynamics and Predictability of Convective Storms''.
Principal Investigator, $118,791 (year 3 of 3 years:
31 December 1995-30 Jun 1997).
EDR ``Numerical Simulation of Fog Formation in Complex
Terrain Using the ARPS Model''. Principal
Investigator, $55,490 (Nov 1994-Oct 1996). Year 3 of
3 years.
NSF ``Center for Environmental Applications of the
Oklahoma Mesonet''. Co Principal Investigator.
$1,010,000 (EPSCoR Program).
NSF ``Joint US-Korea Workshop on Storm- and Meso-Scale
Weather Analysis and Prediction.'' PI, $44,394, 1
year.
Rome Labs ``Mesoscale Modeling of Lake Effect Snow.'' PI (with
D. Jahn as Co-PI), $33,897, 1.5 years.
NSF ``Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS)''. Principal Investigator (with F. Carr, J.
Straka, A. Shapiro, K. Brewster, M. Xue), $1,592,810.
(year 9 of 11)
NSF ``Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the
Oklahoma Weather Center''. Co-Principal Investigator,
$72,695 (Fall 1997-Spring 1998).
NSF ``Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS)''. Principal Investigator (with F. Carr, J.
Straka, A. Shapiro, K. Brewster, M. Xue), $1,582,616.
(year 10 of 11)
Various ``A Proposal to Upgrade the Cray J90 Supercomputer at
the OU Environmental Computing Applications System
(ECAS).'' Principal Investigator, $233,000, 1 year (1
July 1997-31 June 1998). Funded by University of
Oklahoma, AMR Corporation/American Airlines, Oklahoma
State Regents for Higher Education.
NSF ``Acquisition of Equipment to Create the Environmental
Computing Applications System''. Principal
Investigator, $580,000 (1 September 1995-31 August
1998).
AMR Corp ``Project Hub-CAPS: Developing a Prototype Storm-Scale
NWP System for Commercial Aviation. Principal
Investigator, $327,600, year-3 of 3 years (1 July
1996-31 June 1999).
NSF ``Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS)''. Principal Investigator (with F. Carr, J.
Straka, A. Shapiro, K. Brewster, M. Xue), $1,379,226.
(year 11 of 11).
OSRHE ``Enhancement of the CAPS Storm-Scale Numerical
Weather Prediction System and Real Time Access to
Level II NEXRAD Radar Data.'' Principal Investigator,
$256,000, 2 years. Funded by Oklahoma State Regents
for Higher Education.
FAA ``Explicit Modeling of Convection in the Terminal
Area.'' Principal Investigator, $25,000, 1 year (Oct
1998-Oct 1999).
NSF ``The Oasis Project: Oklahoma Atmospheric and Surface-
Layer Instrumentation System.'' Co-Principal
Investigator, $1,509,729, 3-years.
NSF ``Center for Environmental Applications of the
Oklahoma Mesonet''. Co Principal Investigator.
$23,469 (EPSCoR Program).
NSF ``Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the
Oklahoma Weather Center''. Co-Principal Investigator,
$150,000, 2 years.
FAA ``Comparison of Deterministic Thunderstorm Prediction
with the Statistical Growth and Decay Tracker.
Principal Investigator, 1 year, $60,000. Funded.
NSF ``National Symposium on the Great Plains Tornado
Outbreak of3 May 1999.'' Principal Investigator, 1
year, $15,255.
NSF ``National Symposium on the Great Plains Tornado
Outbreak of 3 May 1999.'' Principal Investigator, 1
year, $5,000. Funded by the Oklahoma EPSCoR Program.
KMA ``Continued Development of the Advanced Regional
Prediction System for the Korean Meteorological
Administration.'' Co-Principal Investigator, 1 year,
$60,000.
AMR Corp ``Continued Enhancement of the Hub-CAPS Forecast
System.'' Principal Investigator, 1 year, $25,000.
Williams ``Advanced Weather Forecasting for Energy.'' Principal
Investigator, 5 years, $8,090,518. Funded by Williams
Energy Marketing and Trading Company. Project was
terminated due to the Enron scandal and associated
disruption of energy marketing and trading industry;
approximately $4.5M of the planned $8.1M were
expended.
WDT ``Enhancement of the Advanced Regional Prediction
System (ARPS) for Commercial Application.'' Principal
Investigator, 1 year, $135,243. Funded by Weather
Decision Technologies, Inc.
NOAA ``A Prototype Regional Fine-Scale Numerical Weather
Analysis and Prediction System Using NEXRAD Radar
Data.'' Principal Investigator, $474,200, 1-year.
NSF ``A Probabilistic Framework for Assessment and
Interpretation of Quantitative Precipitation
Forecasts from Storm-Scale Models.'' (USWRP Program).
Co-Principal Investigator (with E. Foufoula-Georgiou,
University of Minnesota), $334,171, 3 years.
NOAA ``Moving Realtime WSR-88D Base Data Over The NGI.'' Co-
Principal Investigator, 1 year, $198,000.
METRI ``Assimilation of X-Band and WSR-88D Doppler Radar
Data into a Mesoscale Forecast System.'' Principal
Investigator, 1 year, $22,500.
NOAA ``A Real-time, NGI-Based, Direct Digital Ingest and
Archive of WSR-88D Base Data as a Prototype for a
National System.'' Co-principal investigator, 3
years, $540,000.
HRL ``Observing System Simulation Experiments for Airborne
Weather Sensors.'' Principal Investigator (4/15/05-6/
14-05), $33,560.
NSF ``Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the
Oklahoma Weather Center.'' Co-Principal Investigator,
2 years, $163,467.
ATSC ``Preparation of SBIR Proposal on the Calibration of
Ensemble Forecasts of Atmospheric Dispersion.'' Co-
Principal Investigator, 3 months, $4,677.
NSF ``MRI: Acquisition of an Itanium Cluster for Grid
Computing.'' Co Principal Investigator, 3-years,
$340,000.
NSF ``On the Optimal Use of WSR-88D Doppler Radar Data for
Variational Storm-Scale Data Assimilation.'' Co-
Principal Investigator, 3-years, $599,846.
ATSC ``Calibration of Fine-Scale Ensemble Forecasts for On-
Demand Probabilistic Dispersion Modeling.'' Principal-
Investigator, 6 months, $6,468.
NSF ``Collaborative Research: ITR Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD).'' Principal
Investigator (OU portion of 9-institutional
collaborative proposal is $1,875,709. Total grant is
$11,250,000.
NSF ``Collaborative Research: ITR Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD)--Supplement'' Co-
Principal Investigator, $119,346.
NSF ``Advancing Biotechnology and Climatology (ABC):
Educating for Economic Growth in Oklahoma.'' Co-
Principal Investigator, 3-years, $598,559.
ATSC ``Technical Support for the WRF Ensemble Reforecast
System.'' Co Principal Investigator (funded from
DTRA), 2-years, $56,290.
NSF ``Engineering Research Center for Collaborative
Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA).'' Co-
Principal Investigator and Deputy Director (OU
portion of total budget for first 5 years is
$5,478,109). (Total budget to date is $23,160,030.)
NOAA ``Life and Death Decisions: ``An Integrative Approach
to Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of
Extreme Weather.'' Principal Investigator, 1 year,
$50,000. Funded (2014-2015)
NOAA ``A Partnership to Develop, Conduct and Evaluate
Realtime High Resolution Ensemble and Deterministic
Forecasts for Convective-Scale Hazardous Weather.''
Principal Investigator, 3 years, $374,825. (2007-
2010)
NSF ``Assimilation of Doppler Radar Data for Storm-Scale
Numerical Prediction Using an Ensemble-based
Variational Method.'' Co-Principal Investigator, 3
years, $199,990. (2008-2011)
FAA ``Weather Processors Support Task: Rightsizing NextGen
Weather Observation Network.'' Principal
Investigator, 2 years, $186,667. (2009-2011)
Previous Internally-Sponsored Research Grants
OU Associates Research and Creative Activity Fund--
``Central Oklahoma Mesoscale Modeling and Analysis
(COMMA) Project, Phase II''. Principal Investigator,
$22,110. (1988)
CAPS ``Initialization of a Convective Cloud Model From
Observations''. Principal Investigator (with C. Hane
and C. Ziegler), $42,020 (2/1/90 to 2/1/91).
CAPS ``Initialization of a Convective Cloud Model From
Observations''. Principal Investigator (with C. Hane
and C. Ziegler), $59,762 (2/1/91 to 1/31/92).
OU ``Instructional and Advising Improvement''. Co-
Principal Investigator (with F. Carr), $28,771.
CAPS ``Initialization of a Convective Cloud Model From
Observations''. Principal Investigator (with C. Hane
and C. Ziegler), $35,994 (2/1/92 to 1/31/93).
OU ``Meteorological Classroom Visualization''. Co-
Principal Investigator (with K. Crawford), $13,375.
(Funded for $9,125 on 13 April 1994).
VPR ``Support for CAPS' P/R and Marketing Specialist'',
$10,000 (1998-2000)
Current Externally-Sponsored Research Grants
NOAA ``Development of a Digital Collaboration for the
Alliance for Integrative Approaches to Extreme
Environmental Events.'' Principal Investigator, 1
year, $48,544. (2017-2018)
NOAA/NSSL ``Development of a Digital Collaboration for the
Alliance for Integrative Approaches to Extreme
Environmental Events, Phase I: Scoping and Functional
Requirements Development.'' Principal Investigator, 1
year, $35,482. (2017-2018)
Philanthropic Support for Research
ImpactWx ``The Alliance for Integrative Approaches to Extreme
Environmental Events.'' Account Sponsor, $3,000,000.
(2018-2020).
Pending Proposals
NSF ``Atmospheric Science Gateway for Accelerating
Research and Discovery (ASGARD).'' Senior Personnel,
5-years, $861,213 (OU is a sub contractor to Indiana
University, the lead institution).
Service as Chair of Graduate Student Committees (Degrees Completed)
Richard Carpenter (M.S., 1988) Application of the Piecewise Parabolic
Method to Meteorological Modeling (with C.E. Hane)
Kimberly Carver (M.S., 1990) The Origin of Rotation in Numerically
Simulated Dry Convection
Steven Lazarus (M.S., 1990) The Influence of Helicity on the Stability
and Morphology of Numerically Simulated Storms
Kriste Lyon Paine (M.S., 1991) A Comparison of Two Methods for Dynamic
Grid Adaption in Two-Dimensional Scalar Transport
William McPherson (M.S., 1991) Sensitivity of Numerically Simulated
Downbursts to the Horizontal Radius of the Initial Rain Disturbance
Renee McPherson (M.S., 1991) Predictability Experiments of a
Numerically Modeled Supercell Storm
James T. Johnson (M.S., 1992) Investigation of Outflow Strength
Variability in Florida Downburst-Producing Storms.
Michael Babcock (M.S., 1992) Aircraft Trajectory Analyses Through
Simulated Microbursts
Yong Li (Ph.D., 1994) On the Topological Complexity of the Cost
Function in Variational Data Assimilation
Hao Jin (M.S., 1994) Numerical Study of Cold-Air Damming (with Q. Xu)
Richard Carpenter (Ph.D., 1994) Entrainment and Detrainment in
Numerically Simulated Cumulus Congestus Clouds [Dissertation won the OU
Outstanding Dissertation Prize in the Science and Engineering
Category.]
David Jahn (M.S., 1995) Simulation of Convective Storms in Environments
with Independently-Varying Bulk Richardson Number Shear and Storm-
Relative Helicity
Seon-Ki Park (Ph.D., 1996) Sensitivity Analysis of Deep Convective
Storms
Steven Lazarus (Ph.D., 1996) Assimilation and Prediction of a Florida
Multicell Storm Using Observed Single-Doppler Data
Edwin Adlerman (M.S., 1997) Numerical Simulation of Cyclic
Mesocyclogenesis
DeWayne Mitchell (M.S., 1997) Observations of Convection Initiation
During CaPE 1991: A Case Study (Co-Chair with M. Eilts)
Stephen Weygandt (Ph.D., 1998) Retrieval of Initial Forecast Fields
from Single Doppler Observations of a Supercell Thunderstorm (Co-Chair
with Alan Shapiro)
Jason Levit (M.S., 1998) A Simple Diabatic Initialization Technique for
Storm-Resolving Models
Xuechao Yu (M.S., 1999) On Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting Using
High Resolution Non-Hydrostatic Models
Yvette Richardson (Ph.D., 1999) The Influence of Horizontal Variations
in Vertical Shear and Low-Level Moisture on Numerically Simulated
Convective Storms
Matthew W. Miller (M.S., 2000) The Determination of Usefulness of
Precipitation Forecasts and Probabilistic Precipitation Verification
Using SAMEX 1998 Ensemble Data (E. Kalnay principal supervisor)
Ernani de Lima Nascimento (Ph.D., 2002) Dynamic Adjustment in an
Idealized Numerically Simulated Bow echo.
Hee-Dong Yoo (Ph.D., 2003) The Impact of Radar Data Assimilation on the
Chorwon Yonchon 1996 Heavy Rainfall Event.
Janelle Janish (M.S., 2003) Relationships Between Baroclinically-
Generated Horizontal Vorticity and Mesocyclone Intensity as Revealed by
Single-Doppler Velocity Retrievals Using WSR-88D Data
Edwin Adlerman (Ph.D., 2003) Numerical Simulations of Cyclic Storm
Behavior: Mesocyclogenesis and Tornadogenesis
Nicki Levit (M.S., 2004) High-Resolution Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasts
of the 28 March 2000 Fort Worth Tornadic Storms
Adam Lopes (M.S.P.M., 2004) Forecasting Aircraft Turbulence: A
Historical Perspective and New Approaches for Forecasting Aircraft
Turbulence through Mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction.
Melissa Bukovsky (M.S., 2004) Initiation and Propagation of Convection
in Forecast Models Using Convective Parameterizations (co-chair with J.
Kain)
Jessica Proud (M.S., 2006) Optimal Sampling Strategies for Tornado and
Mesocyclone Detection Using Dynamically Adaptive Doppler Radars
Ashton Robinson (M.S., 2007) Impact of Low-Altitude Radar Data on
Storm-Scale Numerical Weather Prediction
Derek Rosendahl (M.S., 2008) Identifying Precursors to Strong Low-Level
Rotation Within Numerically Simulated Supercell Storms: A Data Mining
Approach (co chair with Amy McGovern)
Bob Fritchie (M.S., 2009) Detection of Hazardous Weather Phenomena
Using Data Assimilation Techniques
Guoqing Ge (Ph.D., 2011) On the Further Studies of Suitable Storm-Scale
3DVARData Assimilation for the Prediction of Tornadic Thunderstorms
(Co-advisor with Jidong Gao)
Service on M.S. Committees (Degrees Completed, Excluding Own Students)
Chuan-Lau Hwang, M.S. in Meteorology, 1987
A Comparison of Sigma-Coordinate and Pressure-Coordinate
Primitive Equation Systems in a Regional Model
Stephen Allen, M.S. in Meteorology, 1988
An Investigation into the Gravity Current Aspects of a Cold-Air
Outbreak using Variational Analysis Technique
Guang Ping Lo, M.S. in Meteorology, 1989
Observing Systems Experiments using FGGE/MONEX Data: Impact on
numerical prediction of cyclones
Yu-Chieng Liou, M.S. in Meteorology, 1989
Retrieval of Three-dimensional Wind and Temperature Fields from
One Component Wind Data by using the Four-dimensional Data
Assimilation Technique
Daniel Zacharias, M.S. in Meteorology, 1989
A Case Study of the 10 Day 1985 Tornado Outbreak in Northern
Kansas
Yvette Richardson, M.S. in Meteorology, 1993
Verification of NMC Short-Range Models Using Wind Profiler Data
David Dowell, M.S. in Meteorology, 1993
A Comparative Study of Two Supercells: Airborne Doppler
Analyses
Gordana Sindic-Rancic, M.S. in Meteorology, 1994
Test of an Advanced Passive Scalar Advection Scheme for
Numerical Weather Prediction
Yiping Wang, M.S. in Meteorology, 1994
The Effects of Sampling Error on Satellite IR and Microwave
Rainfall Estimates Over the Open Ocean
Daniel Bickford, M.S. in Meteorology, 1994
Effects of Wind Filling in the Near-Environment of a Numerical
Storm Simulation
Yunyun Lu, M.S. in Meteorology, 1994
Large-Scale Wind Field Retrieval Using Kinematic Models and a
Reflectivity Conservation Equation
Travis M. Smith, M.S. in Meteorology, 1994
Three Dimensional Visualization of WSR-88D Data
John Krause, M.S. in Meteorology, 1995
Application of the Bratseth Technique to Mesoscale Objective
Analysis
Robert D. Duncomb, Jr., M.S. in Meteorology, 1996
Verification of VORTEX '94 Forecasts
David S. Andrus, M.S. in Meteorology, 1996
An Observational and Modeling Study of Two EMVER-93 Gulf of
California Surge Events
Andrew C. Wood, M.S. in Meteorology, 1997
Analysis of Supercell Storms on 8-9 June, 1994 in Northeastern
Colorado
John J. Mewes, M.S. in Meteorology, 1997
Quantitative Verification of Non-Hydrostatic Model Forecasts of
Convective Phenomena
Scott Ellis, M.S. in Meteorology, 1997
Hole-Filling Data Voids in Meteorological Fields
Jeffrey B. Basara, M.S. in Meteorology, 1998
The Relationship Between Soil Moisture Variation Across
Oklahoma and the Physical State of the Near-Surface Atmosphere
During the Spring of 1997
Christopher M. Stock, M.S. in Meteorology, 1998
Intercomparison of Icing Aviation Impact Variable Forecasts
Produced During Realtime Mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction
Dan Bikos, M.S. in Meteorology, 1998
Simulation of a Great Lakes Lake-Effect Snow Event
Eric Kemp, M.S. in Meteorology, 1999
Comparative Assessments of Mesoscale Aircraft Icing and
Turbulence Forecasts from the Advanced Regional Prediction
System
Justin Lane, M.S. in Meteorology, 2000
A Climatology of Heat Bursts as Detected by the Oklahoma
Mesonet: October 1993 Through September 1998
Derek Arndt, M.S. in Meteorology, 2001
The Lasting Effects of Mesoscale Convective Systems Over
Eastern Oklahoma during August 1994
Nicole P. Kurkowski, M.S. in Meteorology, 2002
Assessment of Implementing Satellite-Derived Land Cover Data in
the Eta Model
Thomas A. Jones, M.S. in Meteorology, 2002
Verification of the NSSL Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm: A
Climatological Perspective
Kevin McGrath, M.S. in Meteorology, 2003
Mesocyclone Climatology of The Southern Great Plains of The
United States Using the National Severe Storms Laboratory's
Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm
Geoffrey Stano, M.S. in Meteorology, 2003
A Case Study of Convective Initiation on 24 May 2002 during the
IHOP Field Experiment
Kodi Nemunaitis, M.S. in Meteorology, 2003
Validation of the North American Land Data Assimilation System
(NLDAS) Using Data from Oklahoma Mesonet Sites
Andrew A. Taylor, M.S. in Meteorology, 2003
Adjusting Model Output Statistics (MOS) Temperature Forecasts
Using Linear Regression of Observations Against Past Errors
Elaine Godfrey, M.S. in Meteorology, 2003
A Study of the Environment and Intensity of Tornadoes from
Quasi-Linear Convective Systems
Christy Carlson, M.S. in Professional Meteorology, 2004
A 1 percent Temperatures Climatology for the Continental United
States
Robert Weinzapfel, M.S. in Professional Meteorology, 2004
High-Resolution Numerical Simulations of a Flooding Rainfall
Event in Houston, Texas Associated with Tropical Storm Allison,
June 2001
Suresh Marru, M.S. In Electrical Engineering, 2004
A Grid-Enabled Scientific Workbench for Integrated Predictive
Earth System Simulation
Nathan Snook, M.S. In Meteorology, 2006
Sensitivity of Tornadic Thunderstorm and Tornadogenesis in Very
High Resolution Numerical Simulations to Variations In Model
Microphysical Parameters
Patrick Marsh, M.S. In Meteorology, 2007
Assessment of the Severe Weather Environment in North America
Simulated by a Global Climate Model
Brittany Dahl, M.S. In Meteorology, 2014
Sensitivity of Vortex Production to Small Environmental
Perturbations in High-Resolution Supercell Simulations
Service on Ph.D. Committees (Degrees Completed, Excluding Own Students)
Eugene McCaul, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1988
The Dynamics of Simulated Convective Storms in Hurricane
Environments
Jose Rodriguez Azara, Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, 1988
Substitution Theory for Compressible Flows
Rodger Brown, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1989
Initiation and Propagation of Thunderstorm Mesocyclones
Bok Yoon, Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, 1990
Computational Analysis on Hypersonic Flow Past Elliptic Cone
Waveriders
Carlyle Macedo, Ph.D. in Computer Science, 1990
Parallel and Vector Algorithms for Numerical Modeling Using
Adaptive Grid Techniques
Wan-Shu Wu, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1990
Helical Buoyant Convection
Juanzhen (Jenny) Sun, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1992
Convective-Scale 4-D Data Assimilation Using Simulated Single-
Doppler Radar Observations
Jiyu Zhan, Ph.D. in Physics, 1993
Several Investigations and Applications of Light Scattering by
Small Particles
Litao Deng, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1993
Dynamics of Tornado-Like Vortices
R. Jeffrey Trapp, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1994
Numerical Simulation of the Genesis of Tornado-Like Vortices
Scott Richardson, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1995
Multiplate Radiation Shields: Investigating Radiational Heating
Errors
Yu-Chieng Liou, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1995
Numerical Investigation of a Heated, Sheared Planetary
Boundary-Layer
Chia-Rong Chen, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1996
Improved Treatment of Surface Evapotranspiration in a Mesoscale
Numerical Model
Pengfei Zhang, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1997
Numerical Simulation of Nonlinear Buoyancy Waves in the Lower
Atmosphere
Anil Rao, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1998 (Florida State University)
A Numerical Modeling Investigation of the Cape Canaveral Land-
Water Circulations
Xiaoguang Song, Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, 1998
Error Estimation and Structural Shape Optimization
Jian Zhang, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1999
Moisture and Diabatic Initialization Based on Radar and
Satellite Observations
Keith Brewster, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1999
Phase-Correcting Data Assimilation and Application to Storm-
Scale Numerical Weather Prediction
Katharine M. Kanak, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 1999
On the Formation of Vertical Vortices in the Atmosphere
Susan Stanislav Alguindigue, Ph.D. in Chemistry, 2000
Investigation of Ligand Misdirection Using the Kinetic Element
Effect and the Kinetic Enthalpy Effect
Kazuhito Hatano, Ph.D. in Physics, 2000
The Direct Analysis of Spectra of Type 1A Supernovae
Renee A. McPherson, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2003
The Impact of Oklahoma's Winter Wheat Belt on the Mesoscale
Environment
Michael E. Baldwin, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2003
Automated Classification of Rainfall Systems Using Statistical
Characterization
Mostafa el Harnly, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2004
North Atlantic Winter Surface Extratropical Cyclone Track
Variability on Interannual-To-Decadal Time-Scales
Diandong Ren, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2004
4DVAR Retrieval of Prognostic Land Surface Model Variables
David L. Montroy, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2006
Characteristics of Wintertime US. Weather Systems During El
Nino Events and their Physical Associations with Tropical
Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures
Yong Sun Jung, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2008
State and Parameter Estimation Using Polarimetric Radar Data
and Ensemble Kalman Filter
Andrew Edward Mercer, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2008
Discrimination of Tornadic and Non-Tornadic Severe Weather
Outbreaks
Daniel Thomas Dawson II, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2009
The Impact of Single- and Multi-Moment Microphysics on
Numerical Simulations of Supercells and Tornadoes of the 3 May
1999 Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak
Andrew Taylor, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2010
Ensemble Kalman Filter Data Assimilation in the Presence of
Large Model Error
Jili Dong, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2010
Applications of Ensemble Kalman Filter Assimilation from
Convective Thunderstorms to Hurricanes
Guoqing Ge, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2011
On the Further Studies of Suitable Storm-Scale 3DVAR Data
Assimilation for the Prediction of Tornadic Thunderstorms
Elaina Burns, DMA in Piano Pedagogy, 2011
The Contributions of Jane Smisor Bastien to Piano Teaching
Gang Zhao, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2013
Development of ARPS-LETKF with 4D-Extension and Inter-
Comparison with ARPS-ENSRF
Kodi Lynn Nemunaitis, Ph.D. in Meteorology, 2014
Observational and Model Analysis of The Oklahoma City Urban
Heat Island
Refereed Book Chapters
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, K. Johnson, M. O'Keefe, A. Sawdey, G. Sabot,
S. Wholey, N.T. Lin, and K. Mills, 1995: Weather prediction: A scalable
storm-scale model. Chapter 3 (p. 45-92) in High Performance Computing,
G. Sabot (Ed.), Addison Wesley, Reading, Massachusetts, 246pp.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, and D. Weber, 2007: Numerical Prediction of
High-Impact Local Weather: A driver for Petascale Computing. Chapter 18
in Petascale Computing: Algorithms and Applications, Chapman and Hall/
CRC Press. In Press.
Refereed Encyclopedia Contributions
Droegemeier, K.K., 1993: Weather forecasting and prediction. McGraw-Hi/
I Yearbook of Science and Technology, McGraw Hill, 476-480.
Refereed Publications in Print
Sasamori, T., and K. Droegemeier, 1983: A linear analysis on the
acceleration of zonal flow by baroclinic instability. Part I: Jovian
atmosphere. J. Atmos. Sci., 40, 2323-2338.
Droegemeier, K., and T. Sasamori, 1983: A linear analysis on the
acceleration of zonal flow by baroclinic instability. Part II:
Terrestrial atmosphere. J. Atmos. Sci., 40, 2339-2348.
Droegemeier, K.K. and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985: Three-dimensional
numerical modeling of convection produced by interacting thunderstorm
outflows. Part I: Control simulation and low-level moisture variations.
J. Atmos. Sci., 42, 2381-2403.
Droegemeier, K.K. and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985: Three-dimensional
numerical modeling of convection produced by interacting thunderstorm
outflows. Part II: Variations in vertical wind shear. J. Atmos. Sci.,
42, 2404-2414.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1986: Kelvin-Helmholtz
instability in a numerically simulated thunderstorm outflow. Bull.
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 67, 416-417.
Droegemeier, K.K. and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1987: Numerical simulation of
thunderstorm outflow dynamics. Part I: Outflow sensitivity experiments
and turbulence dynamics. J. Atmos. Sci., 44, 1180-1210.
Robertson, M., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1990: NEXRAD and the broadcast
weather industry: Preparing to share the technology. Bull. Amer.
Meteor. Soc., 71, 14-18.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, P.R. Woodward, and C.E. Hane,
1990: Application of the piecewise parabolic method (PPM) to
meteorological modeling. Mon. Wea. Rev., 118, 586-612.
Dietachmayer, G. and K. Droegemeier, 1992: Application of continuous
dynamic grid adaption techniques to meteorological modelling, Part I:
Basic formulation and accuracy. Mon. Wea. Rev., 120, 1675-1706.
Droegemeier, K.K., S.M. Lazarus, and R.P. Davies-Jones, 1993: The
influence of helicity on numerically simulated convective storms. Mon.
Wea. Rev, 121, 2005-2029.
Li, Y. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1993: The influence of diffusion on the
adjoint data assimilation technique. Tellus, 45A, 435-448.
Straka, J.M., R.B. Wilhelmson, L.J. Wicker, J.R. Anderson, and K.K.
Droegemeier, 1993: Numerical solutions of a non-linear density current:
A benchmark solution and comparisons. Int. J Num. Meth. in Fluids, 17,
1-22.
Johnson, J.T., M.D. Eilts, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1993: Investigation of
outflow strength variability in Florida downburst producing storms. FAA
Final Report DOT/FAA/NR-93/5/111 pp.
Johnson, K.W., J. Bauer, G.A. Riccardi, K.K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue,
1994: Distributed processing of a regional prediction model. Mon. Wea.
Rev., 122, 2558-2572.
Xu, Q., Xue, M., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: Numerical simulations of
density currents in sheared environments within a vertically confined
channel. J Atmos. Sci., 53, 770-786.
Emanuel, K., D. Raymond, A. Betts, L. Bosart, C. Brethe1ton, K.
Droegemeier, B. Farrell, J.M. Fritsch, R. Houze, M. LeMone, D. Lilly,
R. Rotunno, M. Shapiro, R. Smith, and A. Thorpe, 1995: Report of the
first Prospectus Development Team of the U.S. Weather Research Program
to NOAA and the NSF. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 76, 1194-1208.
Park, S.K., K.K. Droegemeier, and C. Bischof, 1996: Automatic
differentiation as a tool for sensitivity analysis of a convective
storm in a 3-D cloud model. Chapter 18 in Computational Differentation:
Techniques, Applications, and Tools, M. Berz, C. Bischof, and G.
Corliss, Eds., SIAM, Philadelphia, PA, 205-214.
Sathye, A., G. Bassett, K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, and K. Brewster, 1996:
Experiences using high performance computing for operational storm
scale weather prediction. Concurrency: Practice and Experience, 8, 731-
740.
Xue, M., Q. Xu, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1997: A theoretical and numerical
study of density currents in non-constant shear flows. J Atmos. Sci,
54, 1998-2019.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1997: The numerical prediction of thunderstorms:
Challenges, potential benefits, and results from realtime operational
tests. WMO Bulletin, 46, 324-336.
Wang, Z., K.K. Droegemeier, L. White, and I.M. Navon, 1997: Application
of a new adjoint Newton algorithm to the 3-D ARPS storm scale model
using simulated data. Mon. Wea. Rev., 125, 1460-1478.
Sathye, A., M. Xue, G. Bassett, and K. Droegemeier, 1997: Parallel
weather modeling with the advanced regional prediction system. Parallel
Computing, 23, 2243-2256.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1997: The validity of the tangent
linear approximation in a moist convective cloud model. Mon. Wea. Rev,
125, 3320-3340.
Wang, D.Z., K.K. Droegemeier, and L. White, 1998: The adjoint Newton
algorithm for large-scale unconstrained optimization in meteorology
applications. Comput. Opt. and Appl., 10; 281-318.
Lilly, D.K., G.M. Bassett, K.K. Droegemeier, and P. Bartello, 1998:
Stratified turbulence in the atmospheric mesoscales. Theoretical and
Comp. Fluid Dyn, 11, 139-153.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, and A.M. Blyth, 1998a:
Entrainment and detrainment in numerically simulated cumulus congestus
clouds, Part I: General results and comparison with observations. J
Atmos. Sci, 55, 3417-3432.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, and A.M. Blyth, 1998b:
Entrainment and detrainment in numerically simulated cumulus congestus
clouds, Part II: Cloud budgets. J Atmos. Sci, 55, 3433-3439.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, and A.M. Blyth, 1998c:
Entrainment and detrainment in numerically simulated cumulus congestus
clouds, Part III: Detailed parcel analyses and conceptual model. J
Atmos. Sci, 55, 3440-3455.
Lazarus, S., A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: Analysis of the
Gal-Chen/Zhang single-Doppler velocity retrieval. J Atmos. and Oceanic
Tech., 16, 5-18.
Adlelman, E.J., K.K. Droegemeier, and R-P. Davies-Jones 1999: Numerical
simulation of cyclic mesocyclogenesis. J Atmos. Sci., 56, 2045-2069.
Rao, P.A., H.E. Fuelberg, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: High
resolution modeling of the Cape Canaveral area land/water circulations
and associated features. Mon. Wea. Rev., 56, 1808-1821.
Park, S.K., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: Sensitivity analysis of a moist
1-D Eulerian cloud model using automatic differentiation. Mon. Wea.
Rev., 127, 2128-2142.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, and K. Droegemeier, 1999: A variational
method for the analysis of three-dimensional wind fields from dual-
Doppler radars. Mon. Wea. Rev., 127, 2180-2196.
Grice, G. K., R. J. Trapp, S. F. Corfidi, R. Davies-Jones, C. C.
Buonanno, J.P. Craven, K. K. Droegemeier, C. Duchon, J. V. Houghton, R.
A. Prentice, G. Romine, K. Schlachter, K. K. Wagner, 1999: The Golden
Anniversary Celebration of the First Tornado Forecast. Bull. Amer. Met
Soc., 80, 1341-1348.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2000: Sensitivity analysis of a 3-D
convective storm: Implications for variational data assimilation and
forecast error. Mon. Wea. Rev., 128, 140-159.
Ware, R.H., D.W. Fulker, S.A. Stein, D.N. Anderson, SX. Avery, R.D.
Clark, K.K. Droegemeier, J.P. Kuettner, J.B. Minster, and S.
Sorooshian, 2000: SuomiNet: A real-time national GPS network for
atmospheric research and education. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 84, 677-
694.
Foufoula-Georgiou, E., J. Zepeda-Arce, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2000:
Space-time rainfall organization and its role in validating
quantitative precipitation forecasts. J Geophys Res., 105, 10129-10146.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2000: Hydrological aspects of weather
prediction and flood warnings: Report of the Ninth Prospectus
Development Team of the U.S. Weather Research Program. Bull. Amer.
Meteor. Soc., 81, 2665-2680.
Xue, M., K. K. Droegemeier, and V. Wong, 2000: The Advanced Regional
Prediction System (ARPS)--A multiscale nonhydrostatic atmospheric
simulation and prediction model. Part I: Model dynamics and
verification. Meteor. and Atmos. Physics., 75, 161-193.
Ware, R.H., D.W. Fulker, S.A. Stein, D.N. Anderson, S.K. Avery, R.D.
Clark, K.K. Droegemeier, J.P. Kuettner, J. Minster, and S. Sorooshian,
2000: Real-time national GPS networks: Opportunities for atmospheric
sensing. Earth Planets Space,52, 901-905.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, Qin Xu, and K. Droegemeier, 2001: Three-
dimensional simple adjoint velocity retrievals from single Doppler
radar data. J Atmos. and Oceanic Tech., 18, 26-38.
Hou, D., E. Kalnay, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2001: Objective verification
of the SAMEX '98 ensemble forecasts. Mon. Wea. Rev., 129, 73-91.
Lazarus, S., A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2001: Application of the
Gal Chen/Zhang velocity retrieval to a deep convective storm. J Atmos.
Sci., 58, 998-1016.
Xue, M., K. K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, A. Shapiro, K. Brewster, F. Carr,
D. Weber, Y. Liu, and D.-H. Wang, 2001: The Advanced Regional
Prediction System (ARPS) A multiscale nonhydrostatic atmospheric
simulation and prediction tool. Part II: Model physics and
applications. Meteor. and Atmos. Physics, 76, 134-165.
Anthes, R., 0. Brown, K. Droegemeier, and J. Fellows, 2001: UCAR and
NCAR at 40. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 82, 1139-1149.
Harris, D., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, K.K. Droegemeier, and J. Levit, 2001:
Multi-scale statistical properties of a high-resolution precipitation
forecast. J. Hydromet., 4, 406-418.
Ware, R.H., D.W. Fulker, S.A. Stein, D.N. Anderson, S.K. Avery, R.D.
Clark, K.K. Droegemeier, J.P. Kuettner, J.B. Minster, and S.
Sorooshian, 2001: Real time national GPS networks for atmospheric
sensing. J. Atmos. and Solar-Terr. Phys., 63, 1315-1330.
Weygandt, S.S., A. Shapiro and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: Retrieval of
initial forecast fields from single-Doppler observations of a supercell
thunderstorm. Part I: Single-Doppler velocity retrieval. Mon. Wea. Rev,
130, 433-453.
Weygandt, S.S., A. Shapiro and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: Retrieval of
initial forecast fields from single-Doppler observations of a supercell
thunderstorm. Part II: Thermodynamic retrieval and numerical
prediction. Mon. Wea. Rev, 130, 454-476.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: The sensitivity of
numerically-simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis to variations in model
physical and computational parameters. Mon. Wea. Rev., 130, 2671-2691.
Xue, M., D.-H. Wang, J.-D. Gao, K. Brewster, and K. K. Droegemeier,
2003: The Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS): Storm-scale
numerical weather prediction and data assimilation. Meteor. and Atmos.
Physics, 82, 139-170.
Pielke, R.A. Jr. and Co-Authors, 2003: The USWRP workshop on the
weather research needs of the private sector. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
84, ES53-ES67.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2004: A three-
dimensional variational data analysis method with recursive filter for
Doppler radars. J. Atmos. and Oceanic Tech., 21, 457-469.
Gao, J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2004: A variational technique for
dealiasing Doppler radial velocity data. J. Appl. Meteor., 43, 934-940.
Gao, J., K.K. Droegemeier, J. Gong, and Q. Xu, 2004: A method for
retrieving mean horizontal wind profiles from single-Doppler radar
observations contaminated by aliasing. Mon. Wea. Rev, 132, 1399-1409.
Plale, B., J. Alameda, R. Wilhelmson, D. Gannon, S. Hampton, A. Rossi,
and K.K. Droegemeier, 2004: User-oriented active management of
scientific data with my LEAD. IEEE Internet Computing, 9, 27-34.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2005: Service-oriented environments
in research and education for dynamically interacting with mesoscale
weather. Computing in Science and Engineering, 7, 12-29.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2005: The dependence of
numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis upon environmental
ve1tical wind shear. Mon. Wea. Rev., 133, 3595-3623.
Smedsmo, J.L., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, V. Vuruputur, F. Kong, and K.
Droegemeier, 2005: On the ve1tical structure of modeled and observed
deep convective storms: Insights for precipitation retrieval and
microphysical parameterization. J Appl. Meteor., 44, 1866-1884.
Xue, M., M. Tong, and K. K. Droegemeier, 2006: An OSSE framework based
on the ensemble square-root Kalman filter for evaluating impact of data
from radar networks on thunderstorm analysis and forecast. J Atmos.
Ocean Tech., 23, 46-66.
Kong, F., K.K. Droegemeier and N.L. Hickmon, 2006: Multi-resolution
ensemble forecasts of an observed tornadic thunderstorm system, Part I:
Comparison of coarse and fine grid ensembles. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 807-
833.
Plale, B., D. Gannon, J. Brotzge, K.K. Droegemeier and Co-Authors,
2006: CASA and LEAD: Adaptive cyberinfrastructure for real-time
multiscale weather forecasting. IEEE Computer, 39, 66-74.
Nascimento, E. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2006: Dynamic adjustment in a
numerically simulated mesoscale convective system: Impact of the wind
field. J Atmos. Sci., 63, 2246-2268.
Brotzge, J., K.K. Droegemeier and D.J. McLaughlin, 2006: Collaborative
Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere: New radar system for improving
analysis and forecasting of surface weather conditions. J Transport.
Res. Board, No. 1948, 145-151.
Gao, J., M. Xue, S. Lee, A. Shapiro and K. K. Droegemeier, 2006: A
Three-dimensional variational method for velocity retrievals from
single-Doppler radar on supercell storms. Meteor. and Atmos. Phys., 94,
11-26.
Kong, F., K.K. Droegemeier and N. Hickmon, 2007: Multi-resolution
ensemble forecasts of an observed tornadic thunderstorm system. Part
II: Storm-scale ensemble forecasts. Mon. Wea. Rev., 135, 759-782.
Kelleher, K., K.K. Droegemeier and co-authors, 2007: Project CRAFT:
Technical Aspects of a Real Time Delivery System for NEXRAD Level II
Data via the Internet. In Press for Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 88, 1045-
1057.
Richardson, Y.P., K.K. Droegemeier, and R.P. Davies-Jones, 2007: The
influence of horizontal environmental variability on numerically
simulated convective storms, Part I: Variations in vertical shear. Mon.
Wea. Rev., 135, 3429-3455.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, and D. Weber, 2007: Numerical Prediction of
High-Impact Local Weather: A driver for Petascale Computing D. Bader,
Ed. Chapter 18 in Petascale Computing: Algorithms and Applications,
Chapman and Hall/CRC Press, 568 pp.
Brewster, K.A., D.B. Weber, S. Maim, K.W. Thomas, D. Gannon, K.
Droegemeier, J. Alameda and S. Weiss, 2008: On-demand severe weather
forecasts using TeraGrid via the LEAD portal. TeraGrid 2008.
Kain, J.S., S.J. Weiss, D.R. Bright, M.E. Baldwin, J.J. Levit, G.W.
Carbin, C.S. Schwartz, M. Weisman, K. Droegemeier, D. Weber, and K.W.
Thomas, 2008: Some practical considerations for the first generation of
operational convection allowing NWP: How much resolution is enough?
Wea. and Forecasting, 23, 931-952.
Droegemeier, K.K., 2008: Transforming the sensing and numerical
prediction of high impact local weather through dynamic adaptation.
Phil. Trans. of the Royal Soc. A, 1-20.
Proud, J., K.K. Droegemeier, V.T. Wood and R.A. Brown, 2009: Sampling
strategies for tornado and mesocyclone detection using dynamically
adaptive Doppler radars: A simulation study. J. Atmos. and Oceanic
Tech., 26, 492-507.
Dunning Jr., T.H., K. Schulten, J. Tromp, J. Ostriker, K. Droegemeier,
M. Xue and P. Fussell, 2009: Science and engineering in the petascale
era. Computing in Science and Engineering, 11, 28-36.
Palmer, R., M. Biggerstaff, P. Chilson, J. Crain, K. Droegemeier, Y.
Hong, M. Yeary, T.-Y. Yu, G. Zhang and Y. Zhang, 2009: Weather radar
education at the University of Oklahoma: An integrated
interdisciplinary approach. Submitted to Bull. Amer. Met. Soc., 90,
1277-1282.
McLaughlin, D., D. Pepyne, V. Chandrasekar, B. Philips, J. Kurose, M.
Zink, K. Droegemeier, S. Cruz-Pol, F. Junyent, J. Brotzge, D.
Westbrook, N. Bharadwaj, Y. Wang, E. Lyons, K. Hondl, Y. Liu, E. Knapp,
M. Xue, A. Hopf, K. Kloesel, A. DeFonzo, P. Kollias, K. Brewster, R.
Contreras, T. Djaferis, E. Insanic, S. Frasier, and F. Carr, 2009:
Short-wavelength technology and the potential for distributed networks
of small radar systems. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc.,Bull. Amer. Meteor.
Soc., 90, 1797-1817.
McGovern, A., D.H. Rosendahl, R.A. Brown and K.K. Droegemeier, 2011:
Identifying predictive multi-dimensional time series motifs: An
application to severe weather. Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 22,
232-258.
Dong, J., M. Xue and K.K. Droegemeier 2011: The analysis and impact of
simulated high-resolution surface observations in addition to radar
data for convective storms with an ensemble Kalman filter. Meteor.
Atmos. Phys, 112, 41-61.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2017: The Roles of Chief Research
Officers at American Research Universities: A Current Profile and
Challenges for the Future. J Res. Admin., 48, 26-64. [Winner of the
2017 Rod Rose Award for best article in the Journal of Research
Administration.]
Articles in Preparation for Archive Journals
Technical Reports
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, P.V. Reid, J. Straka, J.A. Bradley III, and
R. Lindsay, 1991: The advanced regional prediction system (ARPS)
Version 2.0. Theoretical mid numerical formulation. Technical Report
No. 91-001, Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of
Oklahoma, 55pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1992: A multi-parameter study of numerically-
simulated microbursts for use in developing an expert system for the
Honeywell Windshear Computer. Final Report, Contract Nos. Tl14732L and
Tll4733L, 60pp.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, A. Shapiro, and K. Brewster, 1995:
ARPS Version 4.0 User's Guide, 380pp. Available from the Center for
Analysis and Prediction of Storms, 100 East Boyd Street, Norman, OK,
73019.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1998: Meteorological aspects of convective storms in
the vicinity of American Airlines Flight 903 on 12 May 1997 as revealed
by numerical simulation. Final Report to the National Transportation
Safety Board, 6 pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1998: Meteorological aspects of convective storms in
the vicinity of American Airlines Flight #242 on 10 July 1997 as
revealed by radar, satellite, and numerical simulation. Final Report to
American Airlines, Inc., 21 pp.
Foufoula-Georgiou, E., J. Zepeda-Arce, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998:
Space-time rainfall organization and its role in validating
quantitative precipitation forecasts. Supercomputing Institute Research
Report UMSI 98/181, University of Minnesota, 32 pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., 2001: Analysis of meteorological conditions in
association with the crash of American Airlines Flight 1420. Final
Report to American Airlines, Inc., 158pp.
Weber, D., K.K. Droegemeier, K. Brewster, H.-D. Yoo, J. Romo, 2001:
Continued Development of the Advanced Regional Prediction System for
the Korea Meteorological Administration, Project TAKE Final Report,
49pp.
Conference Papers
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1982: The roles of thunderstorm
outflows in the production and maintenance of convection. Preprints,
12th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, San Antonio, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
516-519.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1983: Three-dimensional
numerical simulation of the interaction between a shallow cumulus field
and a thunderstorm outflow boundary. Preprints, 13th Conf. on Severe
Local Storms, Tulsa, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 245-248.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985,: Kelvin-Helmholtz
instability in a numerically simulated thunderstorm outflow. Preprints,
14th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Indianapolis, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
147-150.
Anderson, J.R., K.K. Droegemeier, and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1985: Simulation
of the thundersto1m sub-cloud environment. Preprints, 14th Conf. on
Severe Local Storms, Indianapolis, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 147-150.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.P. Davies-Jones, 1987: Simulation of
thunderstorm microbursts with a super-compressible numerical model. 5th
International Conference on Numerical Methods in Laminar and Turbulent
Flow, Montreal, 1386-1397.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1987: Numerical simulation of thunderstorm outflows
and microbursts: The supercomputer as a tool of discovery. Invited
keynote paper, Proc. 3rd Int. Conf. of Science and Engineering on Cray
Supercomputers, Sept. 9-11, Minneapolis, 267-289.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1987: The use of realtime animation graphics in the
analysis of meteorological model data. Invited paper, Proc. ECMWF
Workshop on Meteorological Operational Systems, Dec. 7-11, Reading,
England.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1988: Simulation of microburst vorticity dynamics.
Preprints, 15th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Feb.
22-26, Baltimore, 107-110.
Lazarus, S.M. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1988: Simulation of convective
initialization along gust fronts. Preprints, 15th Conf. on Severe Local
Storms, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Feb. 22-26, Baltimore, 241-244.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, P.R. Woodward, and C.E. Hane,
1988: Application of the piecewise parabolic method (PPM) to
meteorological modeling. Preprints, 6th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred., Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Feb. 22-26, Baltimore, 791-798.
Babcock, M.R. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1989: Numerical simulation of
microbursts: Aircraft trajectory studies. Preprints, 3rd Int.
Conference on the Aviation Weather System, Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 1989,
Anaheim, CA., 62-67.
Droegemeier, K.K. and M.R. Babcock, 1989: Numerical simulation of
microburst downdrafts: Application to on-board and look-ahead sensor
technology. Preprints. AIAA Aero. Sci. Meeting, Jan. 9-12, 1989, Reno,
NV., 12pp.
Droegemeier, K.K., K. Dowers, P. Reid, J. Davis, W. Roberts, W.
Standefer, J. Bradley, R. Bland, T. Meys, and T. Hill, 1989: Center for
the Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS): Developing a prototype
storm-scale prediction system. Invited paper, ECMWF Workshop on
Meteorological Operational Systems, Dec. 4-8, Reading, ENGLAND.
Bradley, J., and K. Droegemeier, 1990: Scientific visualization at the
Center for the Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS). Proc. SPIE/
SPSE Electronic Imaging Science and Technology Symposium, Feb. 11-16,
Santa Clara, 291-306.
Li, Y., H. Kapitza, J. Lewis, and K. Droegemeier, 1990: Application of
an anelastic mesoscale model and its adjoint to data assimilation.
International Symposium on Assimilation of Observations in Meteorology
and Oceanography, 9-13 July, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Weygandt, S., K. Droegemeier, C. Hane, and C. Ziegler, 1990: Data
assimilation experiments using a two-dimensional cloud model.
Preprints. 16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Kananaskis Provincial
Park, Alberta, Canada, Arner. Meteor. Soc., 493-498.
Droegemeier, K., 1990: Toward a science of storm-scale prediction.
Preprints. 16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Kananaskis Provincial
Park, Alberta, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 256-262.
Lazarus, S. and K. Droegemeier, 1990: The influence of helicity on the
stability and m01phology of numerically simulated storms. Preprints.
16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Kananaskis Provincial Park, Alberta,
Canada, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 269-274.
Li, Y., K. K. Droegemeier, and J.M. Lewis, 1991: Multiple minima in the
costfunctional of variational four dimensional data assimilation
methods: Their origin and role in the predictability of nonlinear
dynamical systems. Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 467-471.
McPherson, R.A. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1991: Numerical predictability
experiments of the 20 May 1977 Del City, OK supercell storm. Preprints,
9th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., 734-738.
Paine, K.L. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1991: A comparison of two methods for
dynamic grid adaptation in a two-dimensional scalar transport equation.
Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Denver,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 197-201.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, P.V. Reid, J. Bradley III, and R. Lindsay,
1991: Development of the CAPS Advanced Regional Prediction System
(ARPS): An adaptive, massively parallel, multiscale prediction model.
Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Denver,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 289-292.
Straka, J., R.B. Wilhelmson, L.J. Wicker, K. Droegemeier, and J.R.
Anderson, 1991: Workshop on numerical methods for solving nonlinear
flow problems. Preprints, 9th Conference on Numerical Weather
Prediction, Denver, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 274-278.
Chrisochoides, N., K.K. Droegemeier, G. Fox, K. Mills, and M. Xue,
1993: A methodology for developing high performance computing models:
Storm-scale weather prediction. Proc., Society for Computer Simulation
Multiconference, March 29-April 1, Arlington, Virginia.
Weygandt, S.S., J.M. Straka, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1993: Sensitivity of
storm-scale predictions to initialization with simulated Doppler radar
data. Preprints, 26th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Norman, OK,
Amer. Meteor. Soc, 193-195.
Droegemeier, K.K. and J. Levit, 1993: The sensitivity of numerically-
simulated storm evolution to initial conditions. Preprints, 17th Conf.
on Severe Local Storms, St. Louis, MO, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 431-435.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, and P.R. Woodward, 1993: Simulation of
tornado vortices within a supercell storm using adaptive grid
refinement technique. Preprints, 17th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, St.
Louis, MO, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 362-365.
Sawdey, A., M. O'Keefe, O. Meirhaeghe, M. Xue, and K. Droegemeier,
1993: Conversion of the ARPS 3.0 mesoscale weather prediction code to
CM-Fortran using the Fortran-P translator. Preprint 93-089, Army High
Performance Computing Research Center, University of Minnesota, 7pp.
(preliminary draft)
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, K. Johnson, K. Mills, and M. O'Keefe, 1993:
Experiences with the scalable-parallel ARPS cloud/mesoscale prediction
model on massively parallel and workstation cluster architectures.
Parallel Supercomputing in Atmospheric Science, G.R. Hoffman and T.
Kauranne, Eds., World Scientific, 99-129.
Lin, N.-T., K. Mi]ls, Y.-C. Chen, K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue, 1993: A
message passing version of the Advanced Regional Prediction System
(mpARPS). 17 pp. (Preliminary draft.)
Park, S.K. and K. Droegemeier, C. Bischof, and T. Knauff, 1994:
Sensitivity analysis of numerically-simulated convective storms using
direct and adjoint methods. Preprints, 10th Conference on Numerical
Weather Prediction, American Meteorological Society, Portland, 457-459.
Droegemeier, K.K., G. Bassett, and M. Xue, 1994: Very high-resolution,
uniform-grid simulations of deep convection on a massively parallel
processor: Implications for small-scale predictability. Preprints, 10th
Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, American Meteorological
Society, Portland, 376-379.
Janish, P.R., M.L. Branick, K.K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, K. Brewster, J.
Levit, A. Sathye, R. Carpenter, A. Shapiro, V. Wong, Y. Liu, D. Wang,
H. Jin, X. Song, D. Weber, S. Lazarus, G. Bassett, M. Zou, N. Lin, and
L. Sun, 1994: Evaluation of the Advanced Regional Prediction System
(ARPS) for storm scale operational forecasting during VORTEX '94.
Abstract, 1994 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union, 5-9
December, San Francisco.
Beasley, W.H., K.C. Crawford, R. McPherson, S.E. Postawko, M.L.
Morrissey, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1994: Meteorology-related outreach and
education activities in the College of Geosciences at the University of
Oklahoma. Abstract, 1994 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical
Union, 5-9 December, San Francisco.
Wong, V.C., M. Xue, K. Droegemeier, Y. Liu, A. Sathye, and X. Song,
1994: Parameterization of physical processes in a storm-scale model.
Preprints, 10th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, American
Meteorological Society, Portland, J28-J3l.
Jin, H., M. Xue, Q. Xu, and K. Droegemeier, 1994: Numerical simulation
of cold-air damming. Preprints, 6th Conference on Mesoscale Processes,
American Meteorological Society, Portland, 542-543.
Xue, M., K. Brewster, K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, Y. Liu, and M. Zou,
1995: Application of the advanced regional prediction system (ARPS) to
real-time operational forecasting. Proc., 14th Conf. on Wea. and
Forecasting, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Janish, P.R., K.K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, K. Brewster, and J. Levi!,
1995: Evaluation of the advanced regional prediction system (ARPS) for
storm-scale modeling applications in operational forecasting. Proc.,
14th Conf. on Wea. and Forecasting, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Dallas, TX., 224-229.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: A study of numerically
modeled cmm1lus congestus clouds. Proc., Conference on Cloud Physics,
15-20 Jan, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: Effect of a microphysical
parameterization on the evolution of linear perturbations in a
convective cloud model. Proc., Conference on Cloud Physics, 15-20 Jan,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: On the use of automatic
differentiation to evaluate parametric sensitivity in convective-scale
variational data assimilation. Proc., Int. Symp. on Assimilation of
Observations in Meteor. and Oceanography. 13-17 March, World
Meteorological Organization, Tokyo.
Wang, Z., K.K. Droegemeier, M. Xue, and S.K. Park, 1995: Sensitivity
analysis of a 3-D compressible storm-scale to input parameters. Proc.,
Int. Symp. on Assimilation of Observations in Meteor. and Oceanography.
13-17 March, World Meteorological Organization, Tokyo.
Shapiro, A., K.K. Droegemeier, S. Lazarus, and S. Weygandt, 1995:
Forward variational four-dimensional data assimilation and prediction
experiments using a storm-scale numerical model. Proc., Int. Symp. on
Assimilation of Observations in Meteor. and Oceanography. 13-17 March,
World Meteorological Organization, Tokyo.
Weygandt, S., A. Shaprio, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1995: Adaptation of a
single-Doppler velocity retrieval for use on a deep convective storm.
Preprints, 27th Conference on Radar Meteorology, 9-13 October, Vail,
CO, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 264-266.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Adjoint sensitivity analysis of
a 3-D convective storm. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms,
15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 235-239.
Richardson, Y. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: The dynamics governing
organized multicell rotation and transition. Preprints, 18th Conf. on
Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA,
195-199.
Adlerman, E. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Numerical simulations of
cyclic mesocyclogenesis. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms,
15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 728-732.
Jahn, D. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Simulation of convective storms in
environments with independently varying bulk Richardson number shear
and storm-relative environmental helicity. Preprints, 18th Conf. on
Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA,
230-234.
Droegemeier, K.K., G. Bassett, D.K. Lilly, and M. Xue, 1996: Does
helicity really play a role in supercell longevity? Preprints, 18th
Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San
Francisco, CA, 205-209.
Xue, M., K. Droegemeier, and V. Wong, 1995: The Advanced Regional
Prediction System and Realtime sto1m-scale weather prediction.
Preprints, Int. Workshop on Limited-Area and Variable Resolution
Models. Beijing China, October, 7pp.
Sathye, A., G. Bassett, K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue, 1995: Towards
operational severe weather prediction using massively parallel
processors. Int. Conf. on High Performance Computing, New Dehli, India,
27-30 December.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, A. Sathye, K. Brewster, G. Bassett, J.
Zhang, Y. Liu, M. Zou, A. Crook, V. Wong, and R. Carpenter, 1996:
Realtime numerical prediction of storm-scale weather during VORTEX '95,
Part I: Goals and methodology. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local
Storms; 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 6-10.
Wong, V.C., M. Xue, K. Droegemeier, Y. Liu, X. Song, J. Zhang, and L.
Zhao, 1996: Impact of physics on the development of severe storms
during VORTEX-95. Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 19-23
Feb., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco, CA, 165-168.
Xu, Q., J. Zong, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Numerical simulations of
the topographic effects on cold front motion using an advanced
nonhydrostatic model (ARPS). Seventh Conf. on Mesoscale Processes, 9-13
September, Reading, England.
Xue, M., K. Brewster, K. Droegemeier, F. Carr, V. Wong, Y. Liu, A.
Sathye, G. Bassett, P. Janish, J. Levit and P. Bothwell, 1996: Realtime
numerical prediction of storm-scale weather during VORTEX '95, Part II:
Operations summary and example predictions. Preprints, 18th Conf. on
Severe Local Storms, 19-23 Feb., Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Francisco,
CA., 178-182.
Xue, M., K.K. Droegemeier, D. Wang, and K. Brewster, 1996: Prediction
and simulation of a multiple squall line case during VORTEX 95
Preprints, 18th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 15-20 Jan., Amer. Meteor.
Soc., San Francisco, CA, 169-173.
Droegemeier, K.K. and M. Xue, 1995: Realtime numerical prediction of
storm-scale weather at the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms
(CAPS): Strategies and preliminary results. Proceedings, UJST Workshop
on the Technology of Disaster Prevention Against Local Severe Storms.
28 Nov.--2 Dec., 1994, Norman, Oklahoma, USA, 10pp.
Xue, M., Q. Xu, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: A theoretical and numerical
study of density currents in non-constant shear flows. Preprints, 7th
Conf. on Mesoscale Processes. 9-13 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Reading, UK.
Wang, D., M. Xue, V.C. Wong, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Prediction and
simulation of convective storms during VORTEX '95. Preprints, 11th
Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, 19-23 August, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Norfolk, VA., 301-303.
Wang, Z., K.K. Droegemeier, and L. White, 1996: 4-D variational data
assimilation using the adjoint Newton algorithm. Preprints, 11th Conf.
on Num. Wea. Pred. 19-23 August, Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 116-
118.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Sensitivity of3-D convective
stonn evolution to water vapor and implications for variational data
assimilation. Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 19-23 August,
Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 137-139.
Shapiro, A., L. Zhao, S. Weygandt, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier,
1996: Initial forecast fields created from single-Doppler wind
retrieval, thermodynamic retrieval, and ADAS. Preprints, 11th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Pred. 19-23 August, Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 119-121.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, K. Brewster, Y. Liu, S.K. Park, F. Carr, J.
Mewes, J. Zang, A. Sathye, G. Bassett, M. Zou, R. Carpenter, D.
McCarthy, D. Andra, P. Janish, R. Graham, S. Sanielvici, J. Brown, B.
Loftis, and K. McLain, 1996: The 1996 CAPS spring operational
forecasting period--Realtirne storm-scale NWP, Pait I: Goals and
methodology. Preprints, 11th Conf. on Num. Wea. Fred. 19-23 August,
Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 294-296.
Xue, M., J. Zang, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1996: Parameterization of PBL
turbulence in a multi-scale nonhydrostatic model. Preprints, 11th Conf.
on Num. Wea. Fred. 19-23 August, Norfolk, VA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 363-
365.
Xue, M., K. Brewster, K.K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, D. Wang, F. Carr, A.
Shapiro, L. Zhao, S. Weygandt, D. Andra, and P. Janish, 1996: The 1996
CAPS spring operational forecasting period--Realtime storm-scale NWP,
Part II: Operational Summary and sample cases. Preprints, 11th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Fred. 19-23 August, Norfolk, VA, Arner. Meteor. Soc., 297-
300.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, G.M. Bassett, W.L. Qualley, and
R. Strasser, 1997: Project Hub-CAPS: Storm-scale NWP for commercial
aviation. Preprints, 7th Conf. on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace
Meteorology, 2-7 February, Long Beach, CA, Arner. Meteor. Soc., 474-
479.
Droegemeier, K.K., Y. Richardson, G.M. Bassett, and A. Marroquin, 1997:
Three dimensional numerical simulations of turbulence generated in the
near-environment of deep convective storms. Preprints, 7th Conf. on
Aviation, Range, and Aerospace Meteorology, 2-7 February, Long Beach,
CA, Arner. Meteor. Soc., 169-174.
Droegemeier, K.K. and D.E. Jahn, 1997: CAPS operational tests: Current
results and future plans. Preprints, 2nd Korea-US Joint Workshop on
Storm-and Mesa-Scale Weather Analysis and Prediction, 7-10 October,
Seoul, Korea, 1-6. Sponsored by the Korean Science and Engineering
Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Center for Analysis
and Prediction of Storms, the Korean Meteorological Administration, and
the Korean Meteorological Society.
Park, S.K. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1997: 4DVAR with a moist adjoint
applied to deep convective storms--Simulated data experiments.
Preprints, 2nd Korea-US Joint Workshop on Storm- and Mesa-Scale Weather
Analysis and Prediction, 7-10 October, Seoul, Korea, 52-56. [Sponsored
by the Korean Science and Engineering Foundation, the National Science
Foundation, the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, the
Korean Meteorological Administration, and the Korean Meteorological
Society.]
Carpenter, R.L, Jr., Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Gene M. Bassett, Keith
Brewster, David E. Jahn, Jason Levit, Ming Xue, Warren L. Qualley, and
Roy Strasser, 1998: Storm-Scale NWP for Commercial Aviation: Results
from Real-time Operational Tests in 1996-1997. Preprints, 12th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Fred., 11-18 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 213-216.
Gao, J., M. Xue, Z. Wang, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: The initial
condition and explicit prediction of convection using ARPS adjoint and
other retrieval methods with WSR-88D data. Preprints, 12th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Fred., 11-18 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 176-178.
Shin, Kyung-Sup, Soon Kab Chung, Son-Yong Lee, Hee-Dong Yoo, Dong-II
Lee, Ming Xue, Keith Brewster, Gene Bassett, Seon Ki Park, Kelvin K.
Droegemeier, 1998: Explicit Realtime Operational Prediction of Deep
Convection over Korea. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and
Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 135-137.
Wang, Donghai, M. Xue, D. Hou, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: Midlatitude
squall line propagation and structure as simulated by a 3-D
nonhydrostatic stormscale model. Preprints, 12th Conf. on Num. Wea.
Fred., 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 209-212.
Weygandt, S., A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: The use of the
wind and thermodynamic retrievals to create initial forecast field from
single-Doppler observations of a supercell thunderstorm. Preprints,
16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 286-288.
Wong, V., M. Xue, Y. Liu, X. Tan, L. Wang, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998:
Effect of land cover on the numerical predictions of convective storms.
Preprints, 12th Conf. on Num. Wea. Fred., 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 157-160.
Xue, M., D. Wang, D. Hou, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998:
Prediction of the 7 May 1995 squall lines over the central U.S. with
intermittent data assimilation. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and
Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 191-194.
Xue, M., D. Wang, D. Hou, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998:
Analysis and prediction of convective initialization along a dryline.
Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and Forecasting, 11-16 Jan., Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 161-163.
Zong, J., K.K. Droegemeier, and M. Xue, 1998: Impact of observations in
the numerical prediction of the 17 August 1994 Lahoma supercell
hailstorm. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Wea. Anal. and Forecasting, 11-18
Jan., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Phoenix, AZ, 289-291.
Richardson, Y.P., K.K. Droegemeier, and R. Davies-Jones, 1998: A study
of the influence of horizontally-varying vertical shear and CAPE on
numerically simulated convective storms. Preprints, 19th Conf. on
Severe Local Storms, 14-18 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Minneapolis,
MN, 249-252.
Gao, J., S. Weygandt, M. Xue, A. Shapiro, Q. Xu, and K.K. Droegemeier,
1998: Application of a simple adjoint wind retrieval to a tornadic
supercell storm. Preprints, 19th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 14-18
September, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Minneapolis, MN.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1998: A 3D
variational storm-scale wind analysis from dual-Doppler radar.
Preprints, 19th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, 14-18 September, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Minneapolis, MN.
Carpenter, R.L. Jr., K.K. Droegemeier, G.M. Bassett, S.S. Weygandt,
D.E. Jahn, S. Stevenson, W. Qualley, and R. Strasser, 1999: Storm-scale
numerical weather prediction for commercial and military aviation, Part
I: Results from operational tests in 1998. Preprints, 8th Conf. on
Aviation, Range, and Aerospace Meteorology, 10-15 January, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX, 209-211.
Droegemeier, K.K., J. Zong, K. Brewster, T.D. Crum, H. Edmon, D.
Fulker, L. Miller, R. Rew, and J. Martin, 1999: The explicit numerical
prediction of an intense hailstorm using WSR-88D observations: The need
for realtime access to Level II data and plans for a prototype
acquisition system. Preprints, 15th International Conference on
Interactive Information and Processing Systems (IIPS) for Meteorology,
Oceanography, and Hydrology, 10-15 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas,
TX, 295-299.
Droegemeier, K.K., D. Braaten, and D. Rodenhuis, 1999: Report of the
First Study Conference on Aviation Weathe1: Hazards. Preprints, 8th
Conf. on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace Meteorology, 10-15 January,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Dallas, TX.
Lee, S.-Y., S.-K. Park, K.K. Droegemeier, K.-S. Shin, H.-D. Yoo, S.-H.
Sohn, D.-I. Lee, M. Xue, K. Brewster, and G. Bassett, 1999: Numerical
simulation of a heavy rainfall event at Mt. Chiri using the ARPS nested
grid system. Preprints, 3rd Int. Sci. Conf. on GEWEX and 4th Study
Conf. on GAME, 16-19 June.
Weygandt, S., A. Shapiro, K. Brewster, K. Droegemeier, R. Carpenter,
and G. Bassett, 1999: Real-time model initialization using single-
Doppler retrieved fields obtained from WSR-88D Level II data.
Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec.
Weygandt, S., P. Nutter, E. Kalnay, SX. Park, and K.K. Droegemeier,
1999: The relative importance of different data fields in a numerically
simulated convective storm. Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar
Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec, 310-315.
Levit, J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: A simple diabatic initialization
technique for storm-resolving models using NIDS data. Preprints, 29th
Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Montreal, Quebec, 154-157.
Crum, T., K.K. Droegemeier, H. Edmon, K. Brewster, and D. Fulker, 1999:
Visions for the future real-time distribution of WSR-88D base data.
Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, and K.K. Droegemeier, 1999: Three-
dimensional variational wind retrievals from single-Doppler radar.
Preprints, 29th Int. Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 12-16 July, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Montreal, Quebec.
Gao, J., M. Xue, A. Shapiro, Q. Xu, and K. K. Droegemeier, 1999: Simple
Adjoint Retrievals Using WSR-88D Radar Data, Preprints, 8th Conference
on Mesoscale Processes, June, 28-30, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Boulder,
Colorado, 338-340.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2000: A numerical simulation of
cyclic tornadogenesis. Preprints, 20th Conference on Severe Local
Storms, 11-15 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Orlando, FL.
Richardson, Y.P., K.K. Droegemeier, and R.P. Davies-Jones, 2000: The
influence of horizontal variations in vertical shear and low-level
moisture on numerically simulated convective storms. Preprints, 20th
Conference on Severe Local Storms, 11-15 September, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Orlando, FL.
Harris, D., E. Foufoula-Georgiou, D.K. Droegemeier, and J.J. Levit,
2000: Multi-scale statistical properties of a high-resolution
precipitation forecast. Research Report UMSI 2000/175, University of
Minnesota Supercomputing Institute for Digital Simulation and Advanced
Computation, 26pp. [Available from MSI, 1200 Washington Avenue South,
Minneapolis, MN 55415.]
Gao, J., M. Xue, K.K. Droegemeier, and A. Shapiro, 2001: A 3-D
variational method for single-Doppler velocity retrieval applied to a
supercell storm case. Preprints, 30th Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 19-25
July, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Munich, Germany, 456-458.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster, F. Carr, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2001: A
three dimensional variational data assimilation scheme for a storm-
scale model. Preprints, 14th Conf. on Num. Wea. Fred., 30 July-2
August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, J72-J74.
Wang, D., K.K. Droegemeier, D. Jahn, K.-M. Xu, M. Xue, and J. Zhang,
2001: NIDS based intermittent diabatic assimilation and application to
storm-scale numerical weather prediction. Preprints, 14th Conf. on Num.
Wea. Fred., 30 July-2 August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Fort Lauderdale,
Florida, Jl25-Jl28.
Droegemeier, K.K., K. Kelleher, T. Crum, J.J. Levit, S.A. Del Greco, L.
Miller, C. Sinclair, M. Benner, D.W. Fulker, and H. Edmon, 2002:
Project CRAFT: A test bed for demonstrating the real time acquisition
and archival of WSR-88D Level II data. Preprints, 18th Int. Conf. on
Interactive Information Processing Systems (IIPS) for Meteorology,
Oceanography, and Hydrology., 13-17 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Orlando, Florida, 136-139.
Nascimento, E. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: Dynamic adjustment within an
idealized numerically-simulated bow echo: Implications for data
assimilation. Preprints, Symposium on Observations, Data Assimilation,
and Probabilistic Prediction, 13-17 January, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Orlando, Florida.
Carr, P.H., K.K. Droegemeier, and J.P. Kimpel, 2002: A new M.S. in
Professional Meteorology Degree program at the University of Oklahoma.
Preprints, 11th Symposium on Education, 12-15 January, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Orlando, Florida.
Janish, J.M., K.K. Droegemeier, and J. Gao, 2002: Relationships between
baroclinically generated horizontal vorticity and mesocyclone intensity
as revealed by simple adjoint wind retrievals using WSR-88D data.
Preprints, 21st Conf. on Severe Local Storms, San Antonio, TX, Amer.
Meteor. Soc.
Yoo, H.-D., K.K. Droegemeier, K. Brewster, S.-Y. Lee, and C.-H. Cho,
2002: Impact of radar data assimilation on the Chorwon-Yonchon 1996
heavy rainfall event: Preliminary results. Preprints, 3rd Joint Korea-
US Workshop on Storm- and Mesa-Scale Weather Analysis and Prediction,
21-22 February, Boulder, CO, 157-163.
Yoo, H.-D., K. K. Droegemeier, K. Brewster, S.-Y. Lee, and C.-H. Cho,
2002: Impact of radar data assimilation on the numerical prediction of
heavy rainfall in Korea. Preprints, 15th Conference on Numerical
Weather Prediction, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Adlerman, E.J. and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002: The sensitivity of
numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis to variations in
environmental parameters. Preprints, 21st Conference on Severe Local
Storms, 12-16 August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Antonio, TX.
Gao, J.-D., M. Xue, K. Brewster, F. Carr, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2002:
New developments of a 3DVAR system for a nonhydrostatic NWP model.
Preprints, 15th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, 12-16
August, Amer. Meteor. Soc., San Antonio, TX.
Wilhelmson, R.B., K.K. Droegemeier, S. Graves, M. Ramamurthy, D.
Haidvogel, B. Jewett, J. Alameda, and D. Gannon, 2003: Modeling
Environment for Atmospheric Discovery (MEAD). Preprints, 19th Int.
Conf. on Interactive Information Processing Systems (IIPS) for
Meteorology, Oceanography, and Hydrology., Amer. Meteor. Soc., Long
Beach, CA.
Crum, T., K. Kelleher, P. Cragg, J. Barna, F. Toepfer, W. Blanchard, T.
Sandman, K. Droegemeier, G. Almes, and L. Miller, 2003: Progress in
implementing near real time collection, distribution, and archive of
WSR-88D Level II data. Preprints, 31st Conf. on Radar Meteorology,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Seattle, WA.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2003: A 3DVAR
method for Doppler radar wind analysis with recursive filter.
Preprints, 31st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Seattle, WA.
Gao, J., K.K. Droegemeier, J. Gong, and Q. Xu, 2003: A wind profile
retrieval method from azimuthal gradients of radial velocity.
Preprints, 31st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Seattle, WA.
Smedsmo, J.L., V. Venugopal, F. Kong, E. Foufoula-Georgiou, K.K.
Droegemeier, 2003: A Study of the Spatial and Vertical Structure of
Modeled Hydrometeor Profiles: Insights for weather prediction modeling
and precipitation retrieval from remote sensors. Eos Trans. AGU,
84(46), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract A21W-1018.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2004: Linked environments for
atmospheric discovery (LEAD): A cyberinfrastructure for mesoscale
meteorology research and education. Preprints, 20th. Conf. on
Interactive Info. Processing Systems for Meteor, Oceanography, and
Hydrology, Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Levit, N., K.K. Droegemeier and F. Kong, 2004: High resolution storm-
scale ensemble forecasts of the 28 March 2000 Fort Worth tornadic
storms. Preprints, 20th Conf. on Wea. Analysis and Forecasting and 16th
Conference on Num. Wea. Prediction, Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Kong, F., K. Droegemeier, V. Venugopal, and E. Foufoula-Georgiou, 2004:
Application of scale-recursive estimation to ensemble forecasts: A
comparison of coarse and fine resolution simulations of a deep
convective storm. Preprints, 20th Conf. on Wea. Analysis and
Forecasting and 16th Conference on Num. Wea. Prediction, Seattle, WA,
Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Xue, M., M. Tong, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2005: Impact of radar
configuration and scan strategy on assimilation of radar data using
ensemble Kalman filter. Preprints, 9th Symp. On Integrated Obs. and
Assimilation Systems for the Atmos., Oceans, and Land Surface, 9-13
January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K., J. Martin, C. Sinclair, and S.D. Hill, 2005: An
Internet-based top tier service for the distribution of streaming
NEXRAD Level II data: CRAFT becomes an operational system. Preprints,
21st Int. Conf. on Interactive Information Processing Systems for
Meteorology, 9-13 January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and co-authors, 2005: The National Forum for
Geosciences Information Technology (FIGIT). Preprints, 21st Int. Conf.
on Interactive Information Processing Systems for Meteorology, 9-13
January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and co-authors, 2005: Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD): Architecture, technology road map and
deployment strategy. Preprints, 21st Int. Conf. on Interactive
Information Processing Systems for Meteorology, 9-13 January, San
Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Yalda, S. and co-authors, 2005: LEAD learning communities and the role
of teacher-partners. Preprints, 14th Symposium on Education, 9-13
January, San Diego, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
McLaughlin, D.J., V. Chandrasekar, K.K. Droegemeier, and S.J. Frasier,
2005: Distributed collaborative adaptive sensing (DCAS) for improved
detection, understanding, and prediction of atmospheric hazards.
Preprints, 9th Symp. On Integrated Obs. and Assimilation Systems for
the Atmos., Oceans, and Land Surface, 9-13 January, San Diego, CA,
Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Plale, B., D. Gannon, S. Graves, D. Reed, K. Droegemeier, R.
Wilhelmson, and M. Ramamurthy, 2005: Towards dynamically adaptive
weather analysis and forecasting in LEAD. 2005 Int. Conf on Comput.
Sci., 22-25 May, Atlanta, GA.
Godfrey, E.S., M. Tong, M. Xue, and K.K. Droegemeier, 2005:
Assimilation of simulated network radar data of varied storm types
using EnSRF for convective storm analyses and forecasts. Preprints,
17th Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Washington, DC, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., CD-ROM, 13A.1.
Gao, J., C. Nuttall, C. Gilreath, M. Xue, K. Brewster, and K.
Droegemeier, 2005: Multiple Doppler Wind Analysis and Assimilation via
3DVAR using Simulated Observations of the Planned CASA Network and WSR-
88D Radars, 11th conf. on mesoscale processes and 32nd Conference on
Radar Meteorology, CDROM J1J.4.
Ge, G., J. Gao and K. K. Droegemeier 2005: The Impact of Different Data
Fields on Storm-Scale Data Assimilation. Preprints, 11th Conf. on
Mesoscale Processes, Amer. Meteor. Soc. CDROM JP1J.3.
Gao, J., M. Xue, K. Brewster and K. K. Droegemeier, 2005: A Three-
Dimension Variational Data Assimilation Method for A Nonhydorstatic
Storm-scale Model. Abstract, 4th WMO Int. Symp. Assimilation Obs.
Meteor. Ocean., Prague, Czech Republic.
Proud, J., K. Droegemeier, V.T. Wood, and L. White, 2005: Optimal
sampling strategies for hazardous weather detection using networks of
dynamically adaptive Doppler radars. Preprints, 32nd Conference on
Radar Meteorology, Albuquerque, NM, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Proud, J., K. Droegemeier, V.T. Wood, R.A. Brown, and L. White, 2005:
Optimal sampling strategies for hazardous weather detection using
networks of dynamically adaptive Doppler radars. 86th AMS Annual
Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
Kain, John S., S.J. Weiss, M.E. Baldwin, K.K. Droegemeier, D. Bright,
J.J. Levit, D. Weber and K.W,. Thomas, 2005: How much resolution is
enough? Comparing daily WRF ARW forecasts at 2 and 4 km grid spacing in
severe convective weather environments during the 2005 SPC/NSSL Spring
Program. Preprints, 11th Conf. on Mesoscale Processes, Amer. Meteor.
Soc., Albuquerque, NM.
McGovern, A., Kruger, A, Rosendahl, D., and Droegemeier, K.K., 2006:
Open problem: Dynamic Relational Models for Improved Hazardous Weather
Prediction. Presented at the ICML Workshop on Open Problems in
Statistical Relational Learning.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2007: A new paradigm for mesoscale
meteorology: Grid and web services-oriented research and education in
LEAD. Preprints, 23rd Int. Conf. on Interactive Information Processing
Systems for Meteorology, 14-18 January, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor.
Soc.
Baltzer, T. and Co-Authors, 2007: LEAD at the Unidata workshop:
Demonstrating the democratization of NWP capabilities. Preprints, 23rd
Conf. On Integrated Information and Processing, 15-18 January, San
Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
McGovern, A. and Co-Authors, 2007: Understanding the formation of
tornadoes through data mining. Preprints, 23rd Int. Conf. on
Interactive Information Processing Systems for Meteorology, 14-18
January, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Kain, J.S. and co-authors, 2007: Some practical considerations for the
first generation of operational convection-allowing NWP: How much
resolution is enough? Preprints, 18th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred., Amer.
Meteor. Soc.
Xue, M., F. Kong, D. Weber, K. W. Thomas, Y. Wang, K. Brewster, K. K.
Droegemeier, J. S. K. S. J. Weiss, D.R. Bright, M. S. Wandishin, M. C.
Coniglio, and J. Du, 2007: CAPS realtime storm-scale ensemble and high-
resolution forecasts as part of the NOAA hazardous weather testbed 2007
spring experiment. 22nd Conf. Wea. Anal. Forecasting/18th Conf. Num.
Wea. Pred., Salt Lake City, Utah, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CDROM 3B.1.
Kong, F., M. Xue, Kelvin K. Droegemeier, D. Bright, M. C. Coniglio, K.
W. Thomas, Y. Wang, D. Weber, J. S. Kain, S. J. Weiss, and J. Du, 2007:
Preliminary analysis on the real-time storm-scale ensemble forecasts
produced as a part of the NOAA hazardous weather testbed 2007 spring
experiment. 22nd Conf. Wea. Anal. Forecasting/18th Conf. Num. Wea.
Pred., Salt Lake City, Utah, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CDROM 3B.2.
Weiss, S. J., J. S. Kain, D.R. Bright, J. J. Levit, G. W. Carbin, M. E.
Pyle, Z. I. Janjic, B. S. Ferrier, J. Du, M. L. Weisman, and M. Xue,
2007: The NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed: Collaborative testing of
ensemble and convection-allowing WRF models and subsequent transfer to
operations at the Storm Prediction Center. 22nd Conf. Wea. Anal.
Forecasting/18th Conf. Num. Wea. Fred., Salt Lake City, Utah, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., CDROM 6B.4.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: Preliminary results from the
spring 2007 experiment of the NOAA Hazardous Weather Test Bed:
Application of LEAD to the explicit prediction of deep convection via
ensembles and dynamically adaptive forecasts. Preprints, 24th Conf. on
Integrated Information and Processing, New Orleans, LA, Arner. Meteor.
Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD): Web services for meteorological research
and education. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated Information and
Processing, New Orleans, LA, Arner. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: Linked Environments for
Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD): Web services for meteorological research
and education. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated Information and
Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Weber, D. and Co-Authors, 2008: Use of the LEAD portal for on-demand
severe weather prediction. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated
Information and Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Alameda, J. and Co-Authors, 2008: LEAD: Automatic triggering of high
resolution forecasts in response to severe weather indications from the
NOAA Storm Prediction Center. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Integrated
Information and Processing, New Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Hiers, N.C. and Co-Authors, 2008: Identifying key parameters for
anticipating tornadogenesis in simulated mesoscale storms using data
mining. Preprints, Applications of Artificial Intelligence Methods in
the Context of Interactive Information Processing Systems, New Orleans,
LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Co-Authors, 2008: The National Weather Center.
Third Symposium on Policy and Socio-Economic Research, New Orleans, LA,
Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Marru, S., D. Gannon, S. Nadella, P. Beclanan, D.B. Weber, K.A.
Brewster and K.K. Droegemeier, 2008: LEAD cyberinfrastructure to track
real-time storms using SPRUCE urgent computing. Cyberinfrastructure
Technology Watch, http://www.ctwatch.org/.
Xue, M., F. Kong, K.W. Thomas, J. Gao, Y. Wang, K. Brewster, K.K.
Droegemeier, J. Kain, S. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio, and J. Du,
2008: CAPS realtime storm scale ensemble and high-resolution forecasts
as part of the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed 2008 spring experiment.
Preprints, 24th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Savannah. GA, Amer.
Meteor. Soc., Paper 12.2.
Kong, F., M. Xue, K.W. Thomas, K.K. Droegemeier, Y. Wang, K. Brewster,
J. Gao, J. Kain, S.J. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio, and J. Du, 2008:
Real-time storm-scale ensemble forecast experiment: Analysis of spring
2008 experiment data. Preprints, 24th Conf. on Severe Local Storms,
Savannah. GA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 12.3.
Droegemeier, K.K., B. Plale, M. Ramamurthy and C. Mattocks, 2009: A new
approach for using web services, grids, and virtual organizations in
mesoscale meteorological research. Preprints, 25th Conf. on Integrated
Information and Processing, Phoenix, AZ, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CD-ROM
Paper 6.B2.
Xue, M., F. Kong, K.W. Thomas, J. Gao, Y. Wang, K. Brewster, K.K.
Droegemeier, J. Kain, S. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio, and J. Du,
2009: CAPS realtime storm scale ensemble and high-resolution forecasts
as part of the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed 2008 spring experiment.
Preprints, 23rd Conf. on Wea. Analys. And Forecasting and 19th Conf. on
Num. Wea. Fred 1-5 June, Omaha, NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper J1.1.
Droegemeier, K.K. and Y. Wang, 2009: Dynamically adaptive numerical
weather prediction, models, observations and cyberinfrastructure
responding to the atmosphere. Preprints, 23rd Conf on Wea. Analys. And
Forecasting and 19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5 June, Omaha, NE,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 14A.1.
Kong, F., M. Xue, K. Thomas, Y. Wang, K.A. Brewster, J. Gao, K.K.
Droegemeier, J.S. Kain, S.J. Weiss, D.R. Bright, M.C. Coniglio and J.
Du, 2009: A real-time storm scale forecast system: 2009 Spring
Experiment. Preprints, 23rd Conf on Wea. Analys. And Forecasting and
19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5 June, Omaha, NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc.,
Paper 16A2.
Mattocks, C., K.K. Droegemeier and R.B. Wilhelmson, 2009: Integration
of LEAD and WRF Portal technologies to enable advanced research,
operations and education in mesoscale meteorology. Preprints, 23rd Conf
on Wea. Analys. And Forecasting and 19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5
June, Omaha, NE, Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 12B1.
Xue, M., F. Kong, K.W. Thomas, J. Gao, Y. Wang, K. Brewster, K.K.
Droegemeier, X. Wang, J. Kain, S. Weiss, D. Bright, M. Coniglio, and J.
Du, 2009: CAPS realtime 4 km multi-model convection-allowing ensemble
and 1 km convection-resolving forecasts for the NOAA Hazardous Weather
Testbed 2009 spring experiment. Preprints, 23rd Conf on Wea. Analys.
And Forecasting and 19th Conf. on Num. Wea. Pred. 1-5 June, Omaha, NE,
Amer. Meteor. Soc., Paper 16A2.
Droegemeier, K.K., L. Rothfusz, A.J. Knoedler, J.T. Ferree, J.
Henderson, K.L. Nemunaitis-Monrone, D. Nagele, and K.E. Klockow, 2016:
Living with Extreme Weather Workshop: Summary and Path Forward. 11th
Symp. On Societal Applications: Policy, Research and Practice. New
Orleans, LA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 9.1. [Available online at https://
ams.confex.com/ams/96Annual/webprogram/Paper29
0837.html].
Other Articles and Media
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1984: Kelvin-Helmholtz
instability in a numerically simulated thunderstorm outflow. 16mm,
color, 3 min.
Droegemeier, K.K., and R.B. Wilhelmson, 1986: Numerical simulation of a
thunderstorm outflow and comparison with laboratory density currents.
16mm color movie, 5 min. 15 sec., produced at Digital Productions, Los
Angeles.
Droegemeier, K.K., 1987: Numerical simulation of thunderstorm outflows
and microbursts. Cray Channels, Summer 1987, 18-23.
Droegemeier, K.K. and S. Liu, 1991: Optimization and timing tests for
ARPS 2.2 on the Cray Y-MP.
Droegemeier, K.K., M. Xue, and G. Bassett, 1993: High-Resolution
Simulations of the 20 May 1977 Del City, OK Supercell Storm. Color
Video, 7.5 min.
LEAD Investigators, LEAD Project Video for NSF Office of
Cyberinfrastructure. High Definition DVD, 2008.
The Chairman. Thank you, Dr. Droegemeier.
Mr. Morhard, welcome.
STATEMENT OF JAMES W. MORHARD,
NOMINEE FOR DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR,
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Morhard. Thank you, Members of the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It's an honor to appear
before you as the Nominee for the Deputy Administrator of NASA.
I begin by thanking the President and Vice President who
put their trust and confidence in me, as well as Jim
Bridenstein, who's really gone out of his way to be helpful,
providing me wise counsel.
Also, I'm pleased to have my son and his family here and
many friends and Sergeant at Arms' colleagues are here today,
who've been so very kind.
If confirmed, I look forward to serving and working with
you, the Administrator, and the very talented NASA
professionals.
In the 1950s, my dad was working at NAVAIR and he worked
side-by-side with Alan Shepherd and thought the world of him.
In 1962, I was 5 years old, my brother Jay was nine, and after
John Glenn orbited the Earth, my parents dropped us in front of
his house in Arlington, Virginia, where we lived, also. Jay and
I walked up to the front door and knocked. The astronaut opened
the door and he welcomed us in.
As some of you who knew Senator Glenn, it was that type of
person he was. After petting the cat and drinking the offered
glass of water, we received his autograph. These men inspired
America as well as the world and they influenced our psyche and
they brought us together.
It's an inspiring time again for human space flight and
once again NASA is leading the way, but it's also aspiring. I
once asked my mother why are we here on Earth. She said to do
the greatest good for the greatest number of people. My desire
for this position is to be part of a purpose greater than any
other.
This Committee is well aware of the many challenges that
come with that purpose. I support the President's refocus on
America's Space Program, on human exploration and returning
astronauts to the Moon, for long-term exploration and use. It's
all part of setting the table for NASA, its partners, and the
eventual missions to Mars and beyond. The Moon is a stepping
stone.
Also, I support the study of the Earth and the universe. In
addition to the above-mentioned exploration missions, NASA must
carry out earth science, planetary science, heliophysics, and
astrophysics research, as well as aeronautics research.
There are four main strengths I bring to the mentioned
table. First, over and over again, I've led organizations
through difficult situations by creating an atmosphere of
collaborative team work that turns visions and goals into
realities.
When I was the Appropriations Staff Director, we got all
the appropriations bills done but that entailed getting
consensus with Democrat and Republican members, their staff,
the agencies, CBO, the House, OMB, and the White House. One
year, only two bills were expected to pass. We worked both
sides of the aisle and together all 13 were enacted.
To do that, it took a complete command of the Federal
budget and legislative processes. That was a feat then and as
we're seeing, it remains one today.
Second, I'm able to focus helping to lead a situation that
continually tends toward disorder. That goes from helping
manage most of the Senate's operations to quickly reacting to
cybersecurity threats.
Third, NASA is blessed with the most extraordinary and
energized professionals whose ideas and talents must be allowed
to flourish. I've spent my career attracting, mentoring, and
retaining great talent.
Finally, but most importantly, on all levels and at all
times, the safety of the entire NASA team is absolutely
critical. On a daily basis, I'm responsible for helping to
ensure that the proper processes work for the security of all
Senators, staff, and visitors.
To conclude, I believe transformational leadership and the
strength of collaboration will ensure a new era for America's
Space Programs, advance scientific knowledge for the Earth, and
inspire a new generation to enter the STEM fields. It's what
NASA needs and it is time.
Thank you for this opportunity today.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Morhard follow:]
Prepared Statement of James W. Morhard, Nominee for Deputy
Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Nelson, and members of the Committee
on Commerce, Science and Transportation. It is an honor to appear
before you today as the nominee for the Deputy Administrator of NASA. I
will begin by thanking the President and Vice President who have put
their trust and confidence in me--as well as Administrator James
Bridenstine, who has gone out of his way to be helpful--providing very
wise counsel. If you decide that I should be confirmed, I look forward
to serving and working with you, Administrator Bridenstine, and the
very talented NASA professionals.
The Senators of this Committee are well aware of the many
challenges that NASA faces. I support the President's refocus on
America's space program--on human exploration and returning astronauts
to the Moon for long-term exploration and use. It is all part of
setting the table for NASA and its partners and eventual missions to
Mars and beyond. The Moon is a stepping stone.
I also support the study of the Earth and space sciences. If
confirmed, I will support the scientific community's priorities that
are shown in the decadal survey recommendations. In addition to the
above-mentioned exploration missions, NASA must carry out Earth
Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, Astrophysics research. Also,
NASA must continue to make critical contributions in aeronautics by
performing basic research that can open up new economic and commercial
opportunities.
The commercialization of Low Earth Orbit is the beginning of the
logistics tail for materials and supplies going to the Moon. This
growing industrial base will promote our economic freedom and promote
United States leadership in space. To accomplish these goals, NASA must
establish a vision with a flexible step-by-step plan containing all
critical components.
There are five main strengths I bring to that table. The first is
that throughout my career, I have respectfully challenged the status
quo, done things differently, and had the courage to ``think outside
the box.'' One year when I was the Appropriations Staff Director, only
two appropriations bills were expected to be signed by the President.
We worked on both sides of the aisle and, together, all thirteen bills
were enacted. To do so, it took a complete command of the Federal
budget and legislative processes. That was a feat then, and it remains
one now.
The second is that, over and over again, I created an atmosphere of
teamwork that turned those visions and goals into reality. Getting
those bills done required attaining consensus of Democrat and
Republican members and staff, agencies, the Congressional Budget
Office, the House of Representatives, the Office of Management and
Budget, and White House. It was necessary to be adaptive, resilient,
and a quick study of the ever-changing fabric of the Executive and
Legislative Branches.
The third is that I am able to focus on moving forward in
situations that continually tend toward disorder. That goes from
managing most of the Senate's operations to quickly reacting to cyber-
security threats. My positions on the Senate Appropriations Committee
also provided opportunities to apply my skill sets to a myriad of
agencies' procedural and budgetary processes, coupled with oversight
and funding responsibilities.
The fourth is that I have spent my career attracting, mentoring,
and retaining talent. The NASA team is blessed with the most
extraordinary and energized people who serve all of us. To lead us into
the future, they must be appreciated and their visionary ideas and
talents must be allowed to flourish.
Also, I have established functioning financial mechanisms, and
clear chains of command--while still being transparent. The President
has called for successful NASA programs that are under budget and on
time. I have attained similar goals during every phase of my career. To
do so, valuable NASA resources will need to be leveraged with public/
private partnerships.
Finally, and most importantly, on all levels and at all times, the
safety of every member of the entire NASA team is absolutely critical.
On a daily basis, I am charged with the responsibility of helping run
the majority of Senate operations--including making sure the proper
processes are working to ensure the security of all Senators, staff,
visitors and the Capitol complex.
I believe transformational leadership and the empowerment and
strength of partnering, will ensure a new era for America's space
programs, advance scientific knowledge for the Earth, and inspire a new
generation to enter the STEM fields. If confirmed, it would be my
highest honor to help NASA in these endeavors. This is the time.
I recognize that it is only with the advice and consent of the
Senate that I can be confirmed.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Nelson, and members of the Committee
thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): James William
Morhard.
Nicknames: Jim, Jim Bob (used 40 years ago).
2. Position to which nominated: Deputy Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
3. Date of Nomination: 7/17/18.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: The Sergeant at Arms, S-151, The Capitol, Washington,
D.C. 20510
5. Date and Place of Birth: 09/20/1956; District of Columbia.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Children: Daniel Thompson, 34
Hannah Thompson, 31
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
J.D., 1993, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC
M.B.A., 1984, George Washington University, Washington, DC
B.S. in Accounting, 1978, St. Francis University, Loretto, PA
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
United States Senate Deputy Sergeant at Arms (SAA), 2015 to
Present. Manage 841 employees along with 190 contractors and
work with the U.S. Capitol Police which have 2,264 sworn
officers and civilians.
Sole proprietor of Morhard & Associates, L.L.C., 2005-2015.
Developed and helped implement comprehensive strategies to aid
and streamline organizations while keeping a focus on corporate
leadership goals which primarily focused on their quarterly
numbers.
Adjunct Professor for the Center for Defense and Homeland
Security at the Naval Post Graduate School, 2005-2015. Lectured
and participated in terrorism exercises for State and local
officials.
Staff Director of the United States Senate Committee on
Appropriations, 2003-2005. Led a staff of 68 to review and pass
the annual discretionary appropriations for the United States.
Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce,
Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies, 1997-2003.
Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military
Construction and Professional Staff Member on the Defense
Subcommittee, 1991-1997.
Legislative Director and National Security Legislative
Assistant for Senator Robert W. Kasten, Jr. 1984-1991, and
Legislative Fellow for Senator Pete Wilson, 1983. Working for
Senator Kasten I led a Legislative staff for two years.
Accountant and Budget Analyst for the Office of the Secretary
of the Navy and Comptroller of the Navy, 1978-1983.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Resume is attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those. listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Sole proprietor of Morhard & Associates, LLC, 2005-2015.
Trustee at Saint Francis University, Loretto PA, 2005-2015.
As stated in the answer to question #8, lectured as an Adjunct
Professor and participated in terrorism exercises for State and
local officials as part of the Center for Homeland Defense and
Security at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey CA, 2005-
2014.
Board member of the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children, Alexandria VA, 2005-2007.
Member of the United States Institute of Peace Advisory
Council, Washington, D.C., 2008-2015.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. Please note whether any such club or organization
restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, or handicap.
Member of the District of Columbia Bar.
Member of the Pennsylvania Bar.
Frogs--breakfast group who worked in the defense world, 2005-
2014.
116 Club--private restaurant open for lunch a block from the
Senate office buildings, 2003 to Present.
None of the above clubs or organizations restricted membership
on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin,
age, or handicap.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Arlington County Transportation Advisory Board member.
It was non-elected and appointed. There was never a campaign or
any related funds. Served approximately one year sometime in
the 1980s. or early 1990s. The Board does not keep records
before 1999, so they have no record of my membership.
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political pa1ty or election committee during the same period.
Collins, Susan M via Collins for Senator 07/31/2010 $500.00
Johanns, Michael O via Johanns for Senate Incorporated 08/05/
2008 $1,000.00
Allen, George via George Allen for U.S. Senate 06/16/2011
$1,000.00
Murray, Patty via People for Patty Murray 12/21/2007 $1,000.00
Inouye, Daniel K via Dan Inouye for U.S. Senate 10/23/2007
$1000.00
McCaul, Michael via McCaul for Congress, Inc. 07/15/2010
$500.00
McCaul, Michael via McCaul for Congress, Inc. 03/02/2011
$500.00
McCaul, Michael via McCaul for Congress, Inc. 11/16/2011
$500.00
Praireland Leadership PAC 09/24/2009 $1,000.00. Affiliated with
Michael O. Johanns (R-Neb)
Romney, Mitt/Paul D. Ryan via Romney for President, Inc. 11/01/
2011 $500.00 for Primary
Romney, Mitt/Paul D. Ryan via Romney for President, Inc. 08/07/
2012 $2,500.00 for Primary
Romney, Mitt/Paul D. Ryan via Romney for President, Inc. 08/15/
2012 $500.00 credit for Primary
Romney, Mitt/Paul D. Ryan via Romney for President, Inc. 08/15/
2012 $500.00 for General
Ed Gillespie for Governor 09/15/2017 $250.00
Joint Fundraising Contributions:
McConnell Victory Kentucky 09/29/2014 $2,600.00
Romney Victory, Inc. 08/21/2012 $1,000.00
Recipient of Joint Fundraiser Contributions:
These are the Final Recipients of Joint Fundraising
Contributions
McConnell, Mitch via McConnell Senate Committee 14' 09/30/2014
$2,600.00
Romney, Mitt/Paul D. Ryan via Romney for President, Inc. 08/21/
2012 $1,000.00
Have not held any office for a political party. Did work as
staff on the 1988 Republican Platform National Security
Subcommittee.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Fellowships: OPM Legislative Fellows Program, 1983.
Recognition: Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, 2004.
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated.
Articles: Are Prosecutors Above the Law?, Wall Street Journal
12/03/11
Columns: None.
Publications: Appropriations bills, reports, and Conference
Reports for Military Construction, District of Columbia,
Commerce, Justice and State and the Federal Judiciary,
Supplementals and Omnibus bills (1991-2004)
1988 Republican Platform, National Security section
Speeches relevant to the position: None.
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony. None.
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
Background and Employment Experiences
Earning an MBA at George Washington University and a Juris
Doctorate at Georgetown University were integral to securing my public
service positions. My father's public service as the top civilian at
the U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command and my experience working on a
suicide hotline were catalysts for my journey, service and practiced
leadership.
Organizational success requires the ability to attract, retain, and
mentor talented people, develop and communicate a clear vision, and
create an atmosphere of teamwork to turn that vision into a reality.
Our nation has long held that NASA embodies the qualities of a
visionary agency whose successes are driven through integrity, hard
work, country above self, sacrifice, perseverance, resilience, and team
work. My life's successes have resulted from having these practical
traits, having a vision, and engagement of a committed team.
Improving the Sergeant at Arms culture to one of ``Service to the
Senate'' has been my main focus over the last three years. This
fundamental principle is demonstrated through two core missions of
safety for members, staff, visitors, buildings, and grounds, and
continuity of government and operations in any and all circumstances.
The creation and execution of a strong financial management system has
allowed for timely decision-making and more effective operations that
keep the Senate functioning at acceptable risks levels in all
conceivable circumstances. As part of that effort, our cybersecurity
program has become the template to follow within the Capitol complex.
My position as the Staff Director of the Appropriations Committee
required me to pass the annual discretionary appropriations for the
United States. At the time, it totaled $731 billion and it included all
funding for NASA. It was my responsibility to assemble and negotiate
the Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005 Omnibus appropriations bills. Final
passage required that I work collaboratively with Senate and House
Leadership, the 0MB Director, and the Offices of the Vice President and
President. These efforts required a complete command of the Federal
budget and legislative processes.
As Clerk of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
State, Judiciary & Related Agencies, I understood that spending
taxpayer dollars neither defines a program nor ensures its success.
This bill was crafted to provide sufficient agency funding while
discouraging a culture of funding for growth's sake. Passage of this
$35 billion spending package failed to pass off the Senate Floor in
each of the two years prior to my tenure there. At the time, it was
surprising to see an appropriations bill not pass. My team's efforts
led to its passage in each of the years during which I ran that
subcommittee.
The Commerce Department's portion of this bill allowed me to manage
the funds for many science-related programs. These programs included
the acquisition and launching of both Polar and Geostationary
spacecraft, scientific and technical research Within the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, mapping and charting, tide and
current data, the Ocean Assessment Program, and the National Weather
Service including aviation forecasts and satellite observing systems.
My tenure also allowed me to help institute a Research and
Development budget process at NOAA that was similar to that of the
Department of Defense. The process established internal controls that
allowed for better program management and ultimately improved undersea
research.
As Clerk of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military
Construction we enacted over $5 billion a year for construction
worldwide. Management of these funds included the first private/public
pa.i1nerships, as well as repair, rehabilitation, revitalization, and
modification of existing facilities. These private/public pa.t1nerships
focused on military housing. Facilities management, planning and
design. environmental compliance, and condemnation of real property as
authorized by law are all challenges that NASA may also be required to
address.
As a Professional Staff Member on the Defense Subcommittee, I
reviewed the Shipbuilding Construction, Navy appropriation and attained
approval of all the Navy's large ships and boats including the Seawolf
Class Submarine. At the time, it was the most technologically advanced
attack submarine in the world.
Finally, as a Budget Analyst for the Office of the Secretary of the
Navy I reviewed and managed RDT&E, Navy and Other Procurement, Navy
programs to assure their programmatic stability, and readiness to
continue forward. It included performing the Navy Comptroller yearly
budget review with program managers and ensuring that programs remained
intact during the 0MB budget review. I was one of two people who
reviewed all Navy RDT&E programs.
The Executive and Legislative Branches are uniquely complex. Their
respective require1nents, operations, ``language'', and media interest
require its leaders to be adaptive, resilient, and quick studies of the
fabric of these unique environments. I have been afforded a keen
understanding of the Executive Branches' needs and challenges. The
positions on Appropriations provided opportunities to apply my skill
sets to a myriad of agencies' procedural and budgetary processes,
coupled with oversight and funding responsibilities. Differently, the
Deputy Sergeant at Arms position presents additional leadership tasks
posed by the day to day operational and security challenges equivalent
to that of a small city.
Working with people with diverse and often opposing views in the
ever changing legislative landscape has often challenged me to ``lead
change'', as change is constant in life and is a required leadership
skill at NASA. I have experienced the joys of success, and more
importantly the humility that comes from setbacks. All are invaluable
experiences that are complimentary ingredients of a leader.
As shown above, my responsibilities have grown as each of my career
opportunities have gotten more and more complex. These challenging
positions required integrity, courage, honesty, people skills, and the
ability to communicate and lead. It is my hope that the Committee will
find that my practice of leadership and success has prepared me for
this position.
Why I wish to serve in this position
My record is of a public servant who enjoys the challenges of
``leading change'' and building teams. I am un-afraid to respectfully
challenge the status quo, do things differently, and have the courage
to think ``outside the box.'' The ``what, how and whys'' of NASA have
to be answered to be able to keep the Committee informed as well as
making sure the NASA team knows where they are, where they are heading,
and what is important to the Committee. It means involving everyone in
the process.
Also, bringing together the traditional and new space companies, as
well as our international partners, into a new vision for both science
and exploration is the beginning of a new era for NASA. We must
continue to be the protector of the ``priority domain'' of space while
leading the way for new and free space lanes of commerce. These
challenges are why I wish to serve in this position.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
Responsibilities
My primary responsibility as the Deputy Administrator of NASA, if
confirmed, is to ensure that the agency faithfully and efficiently
executes the programs and policies of NASA as directed by the President
and authorized and appropriated by the Congress. It includes providing
clarity to the Agency's strategic vision and serving as a source of
internal leadership to achieve NASA's mission.
In addition, the Deputy Administrator is responsible for the
management of NASA operations, its programs and all its financial
controls. This effort includes establishing the Agency's priorities,
policies, personnel and budgets, legalities and contracts, interactions
with the Congress, communications, and cost and performance
assessments. Also, if confirmed, it would be my responsibility to
ensure the ethical operations of all NASA activities and that NASA
continues to be a diverse and equitable workplace.
Management Experience
As Deputy Sergeant at arms for the Senate, I supervise a staff of
841 and 190 contractors. Additionally, through the Capitol Police Board
the Sergeant at Arms supervises and directs the Chief of the U.S.
Capitol Police who has a force of 2,264 sworn officer and civilians
working to protect the Senate and the House.
Over the last three years, we have implemented needed changes to an
operational organization that have resulted in more consistent and
timely products and services. I led initiatives to break down ``Stove
Pipes'' within the organization that had resulted in a lack of
communication and collaboration. These changes have positively affected
operations, acquisitions, operational and physical security, training
and human resources. Once these bureaucratic restraints were lifted we
began to see strategic results, functionality, and prompt action being
taken for the Senate.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
First, if confirmed, NASA must establish and implement a clear,
compelling, and executable direction for the future of human space
exploration. Without clarity and continuity in this core NASA
competency, all others activities will suffer and languish. Setting
NASA on a sustainable path for human exploration that draws together
the entire space community including the rapidly expanding private
sector enterprises and our international partners is the highest
priority.
Next, NASA must define and adopt a new role in relation to emerging
commercial and non-governmental space activities. For decades, NASA has
led a national industrial team in accomplishing our national space
goals. In the future,. NASA must learn to strategically partner with
private sector entities to provide guidance, leadership; strategic
investments and technical expertise in support of national goals. NASA
will always be the indispensable partner for American space
enterprises, however, it may not necessarily be the sole actor in
achieving our goals..
Third, NASA must recognize that our national space acquisition
process is outdated and inefficient. Many of the programs cost too
much, take too long and underperform. `We need to innovate at the speed
of relevance' said Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and so does NASA.
If confirmed, we will work to address the national space acquisition
process, to radically reduce cost, improve schedules and safety, exceed
performance expectations and bring NASA's culture back to the ``cutting
edge.'' It will require a unity of effort that integrates all the space
sectors.
We will do so recognizing NASA's unique requirements and
responsibilities, but also acknowledging that we must adhere to the
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) process. We will improve the NASA
way, and learn from and shamelessly borrow from the innovations of
others. Ultimately, it will provide the Committee improved results,
better risk analysis, and flexibility in its decision-making
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation.
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
There are no financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Outside of any Federal retirement and TSP, I
have two IRAs valued at less than in total and a SEP valued at less
than
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements formal or informal, to
maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated.
Have a bank account with the Royal Bank of Canada. It was set up to
take advantage of currency differences. Besides minimal interest
income, there has been no activity since the funds were deposited.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. None.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
During the course of my time in the private sector I provided
advice and guidance on the intricacies of appropriations legislation
for such issues as the NEXTGEN Air Traffic Control System, energy
efficiency, and network hardware and infrastructure.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
I will resolve any potential conflicts by assuring beforehand that
this official position is not used for personal gain and not undertake
any outside activity that creates a conflict of interest, as well as
following the guidance of the Office of Government Ethics and NASA's
Legal Counsel and their of Office of Inspector General.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
Was coming home from a wedding in October 1982 and was arrested for
Driving While Intoxicated in Loudon County, VA. I was released the same
day.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
Based on the charge stated in #2, I was convicted of a misdemeanor
in the General District Court of Loudon County Virginia. My license was
suspended but that sentence was not implemented due to taking a course
on the subject matter.
In 2009, the Archives Department of the Circuit Court in Loudon
County indicated that the records of the General District Court had
been destroyed due to their age. It is my understanding that the
records were held by the Circuit Court up until there destruction.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistleblowers from reprisal for
their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of James Morhard
Objective
Serve as the Deputy Administrator of NASA.
Background
Senior executive leader integrating internal controls and processes
affecting organizational and cultural change for the Senate Majority
Leader. These changes include acquisitions, facilities management,
budgeting, operational and physical security and human resources.
Practiced in rebuilding outdated financial management systems rather
than building around evolved bureaucratic constraints--such as base
budgeting. At the same time, implementing needed changes to an
operational organization which resulted in consistent and timely
products and services. Known for cutting through unnecessary
bureaucracies and using available funds to ensure effective strategic
results, functionality and prompt action.
Experience
Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate
Deputy Sergeant at Arms (2 years) 2015 to Present
Moving the culture of over 3,000 employees to one of service
to the Senate.
Established effective operations based on timely decision-
making to keep the Senate functioning at acceptable risk
levels. This effort includes challenges with cybersecurity and
IT. Built a multi-functioning cybersecurity program that is now
a template for others.
Establishing planning, programming, budgeting, and execution
processes to create better financial management for proposing,
managing and defending the $204 million Senate legislative
appropriation.
Morhard & Associates, L.L.C.
Sole Proprietor (10 years) 2005-2015
Developed and helped implement comprehensive strategies to
streamline organizations such as Cisco Systems, DRS
Technologies, LexisNexis, Owens Corning, and Booz Allen.
Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate
Chief of Staff (2 years) 2003-2005
Lead a staff of 68 to review and pass the annual
discretionary appropriations for the United States, which at
the time totaled $731 billion. Required a complete command of
the Federal budget and legislative processes.
Assembled and negotiated the 2004 and 2005 Omnibus
appropriations bills which included funding to conduct and
support space flight, spacecraft control and NASA
communications.
Worked closely with Senate and House Leadership, the OMB
Director and the Offices of the Vice President and President to
win passage of all these bills.
Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary &
Related Agencies
Senate Clerk (6 years) 1997-2003
Passed legislation appropriating $38 billion for these
agencies--while routinely requesting the lowest possible
funding allocation from the full committee to reduce the
culture of growth. Beforehand, the bill had not passed out of
the Senate for two years.
Helped institute a budget process at NOAA similar to DOD s
R&D process to establish internal controls that allowed for
better program management and ultimately better undersea
research.
Reviewed and managed all funding for acquisition and launch
of Polar and Geostationary spacecraft, NIST, mapping and
charting, tide and current data, climate, air quality and
weather research, and the National Weather Service including
aviation forecasts and satellite observing.
Before 9-11, created a vision of preparedness against
terrorism. Passed legislation through mark-ups, floor action,
and conferences with House Appropriations, OMB and the NSC.
Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense and Military Construction
Professional Staff Member and Senate Clerk (6 years) 1991-1997
Enacted $7 billion for military construction worldwide.
These funds included repair, rehabilitation, revitalization,
modification and consolidation of existing facilities.
Reviewed and approved facility planning and design,
environmental compliance, acquisition and condemnation of real
property as authorized by law.
Reviewed the Shipbuilding Construction, Navy appropriation
and attained approval for the Seawolf Class Submarine, the most
technically advanced submarine of its time. Worked with program
managers to address specific challenges to shipbuilding
programs and DOD's Real Property Maintenance backlog.
Created accounting controls for the Defense Environmental
Restoration account.
Offices of Senator Pete Wilson (R-CA) and Senator Robert W. Kasten, Jr.
(R-WI)
Legislative Director. National Security Legislative Assistant and
Fellow (8 years) 1983-1991
Secured authorization and appropriations for numerous
defense programs.
Office of the Secretary of the Navy and Comptroller of the Navy
Accountant and Budget Analyst (5 years) 1978-1983
Reviewed and managed Other Procurement, Navy and RDT&E, Navy
appropriations. Recommended changes for the Navy's internal
program review for accounts in both appropriations. Afterwards,
performed the final Navy Comptroller budget review and ensured
that programs remained intact during the OSD budget review.
Trained as a Financial Management Trainee and worked at the
Naval Audit Service.
Education
J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC--1993
M.B.A., George Washington University, Washington, DC--1984
B.S. in Accounting, St. Francis University, Loretto, PA--
1978
Memberships & Clearances
Member of Bar in Washington, DC and Pennsylvania--1994 to
present
Trustee at Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA--2005-2015
Board member of National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children--2005-2007
Top Secret, SCI clearances
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Morhard.
Mr. Szabat.
STATEMENT OF JOEL SZABAT, NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR
AVIATION AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Szabat. Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, Members
of the Committee, I am Joel Szabat. I have the honor to be
nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Aviation and
International Affairs for the United States Department of
Transportation. I hope you will find my record of public
service worthy of confirmation.
Joining me today is my happiness, my inspiration, my wife
Chiling Tong, President of the Asian Pacific Islander American
Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
Almost 20 years ago, Chiling and I established a nonprofit
to teach Asian Pacific American youth that our government
derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.
Fellows are taught how to use their power as citizens to make
governments responsive to their needs and those of the
community.
Three fellows from the foundation join us today: Jessica
Li, Jamie Atilano, and Justin Lee, as well as Soo Kyung Koo,
the foundation's former Executive Director.
If confirmed, I will pursue three key goals. First, support
Secretary Chao's primary mission of safety through the economic
licensing of air carriers.
Second, ensure that our antitrust immunity determinations
and international agreements, to include Open Skies and other
aviation accords, provide a fair deal to the American
taxpayers, labor, industry, and traveling public.
And, third, work for the small rural communities that are
the customers of the essential air service and small community
air service development programs.
If confirmed, I will manage these programs to the benefit
of the affected rural communities while controlling costs as a
steward of the taxpayer's dollars.
Since 2002, I have been a senior executive in the Federal
service. I have strived to exemplify the ideals of the Senior
Executive Service whose members can be moved to lead programs
wherever and whenever they are needed.
In my first 4 months as Chief of Staff of the Small
Business Administration, we resolved a year-old backlog of a
100,000 Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance requests.
In DOT, I was the designated Federal Government official
responsible for standing up $48 billion of Recovery Act
programs, eventually completing over 15,000 transportation
projects.
Under my watch, the Maritime Administration quantified the
size of the U.S. Flag Fleet necessary to employ enough American
mariners to meet our military sealift requirements.
I hope my record in these positions and elsewhere assures
the Committee and the Senate that I have the skills necessary
to lead this office.
Since January, I've been managing the Office of Aviation
and International Affairs. I also have prior experience in most
of the missions of this office, including negotiating with
foreign governments during my time at U.S. EPA, serving as the
transportation counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, and in
multiple roles at the Department of Transportation, to include
talks on the agency's ascension into the U.S.-China Strategic
and Economic Dialogue.
In two prior stints at the DOT, I managed the staffing and
budget of the Office of Aviation and International Affairs,
including the Essential Air Service and the Small Community Air
Service Development Programs.
I have 25 years of Federal service as an Army cavalry man
and as a civil servant. In every role, my philosophy of public
service remained the same. I am oath-bound to follow the
Constitution, honor-bound to follow the law, and the directions
of my superiors in that order, and duty-bound to provide my
superiors my best advice and the advice of my staff.
This office is staffed, for the record, is comprised of
crackerjack professionals who would be the pride of any
organization, civil, military, or corporate.
If confirmed, I will continue my commitment to public
service unchanged.
Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and Members of the
Committee, thank you again for your consideration. I'd be
pleased to answer any questions you may have.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Szabat follow:]
Prepared Statement of Joel Szabat, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of
Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation
Chairman Thune; Ranking Member Nelson; Members of the Committee,
I am Joel Szabat. I have the honor to be nominated to be the
Assistant Secretary of Aviation & International Affairs for the United
States Department of Transportation (DOT). I hope you will find my
record of public service worthy of confirmation.
Secretary LaHood, thank you for your kind introduction. Joining me
today is my wife, Chiling Tong, President of the Asian Pacific American
Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. Almost 20 years ago, Chiling
and I established a non-profit to teach Asian Pacific American youth
that our government derives its just power from the consent of the
governed. Fellows are taught how to use their power as citizens to make
government responsive to their needs, and those of the community. Three
Fellows from the foundation join us today--Jessica Li, Jamie Atilano
and Justin Lee--as well as Soo Kyung Koo, the foundation's former
Executive Director.
If confirmed, I will pursue three key goals; first, support
Secretary Chao's primary mission of safety, through the economic
licensing of air carriers; second, ensure that our Anti-Trust Immunity
determinations and international agreements, to include Open Skies and
other aviation accords, provide a fair deal for the American taxpayer,
traveling public, labor and industry; and third, work for the small,
rural communities that are the customers of the Essential Air Service
and Small Community Air Service Development Programs. If confirmed I
will manage these programs to the benefit of the affected rural
communities while controlling costs as a steward of the taxpayers'
dollars.
Since 2002, I have been a Senior Executive in the Federal service.
I strive to exemplify the ideals of the Senior Executive Service, whose
members can be moved to lead programs wherever and whenever they are
needed. In my first four months as Chief of Staff of the Small Business
Administration, we resolved a year-old backlog of 100,000 Hurricane
Katrina disaster-assistance requests. In DOT, I was the designated
Federal government official responsible for standing up $48 billion of
Recovery Act programs, eventually completing over 15,000 transportation
projects. Under my watch, the Maritime Administration quantified the
size of the US-flag fleet necessary to employ enough American mariners
to meet our military sealift requirements. I hope my record in these
positions, and elsewhere, assures the Committee and the Senate that I
have the skills necessary to lead this office.
Since January, I have been managing the Office of Aviation &
International Affairs. I also have prior experience in most of the
missions of this office, including negotiating with foreign governments
during my time at USEPA; serving as the Transportation Counselor at the
U.S. Embassy in Iraq; and in multiple roles at the DOT, to include
talks on the agency's accession into the US-China Strategic & Economic
Dialogue. In two prior stints at the DOT, I managed the staffing and
budget of the Office of Aviation & International Affairs, including the
Essential Air Service and Small Community Air Service Development
Programs.
I have 25 years of Federal service as an Army cavalryman and as a
civil servant. In every role, my philosophy of public service remained
the same. I am oath-bound to follow the constitution; honor-bound to
follow the law, and the directions of my superiors-in that order-and
duty-bound to provide my superiors my best advice, and the advice of my
staff. If confirmed, I will continue that approach, unchanged.
Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson and Members of the Committee,
thank you again for your consideration. I would be pleased to answer
any questions you may have.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Joel Matthew
Szabat.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Aviation
and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation.
3. Date of Nomination: August 1, 2018.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE W88-324 Washington DC 20590
(work)
5. Date and Place of Birth: 25 January, 1959; Fort Worth, TX.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Chiling Tong, Chief Executive Officer and President of
the National Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and
Entrepreneurship (National ACE); 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004
No Children
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Georgetown University, 1981 BA Economics and Public
Administration
Harvard University, 1988 MBA
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Captain, U.S. Army, 1981-86
Management Consultant, Strategic Planning Associates, 1988-90
Executive Officer, U.S. EPA, 1990-93
Principal Consultant (Transportation), California State
Assembly, 1993-2001
Principal, White Dragon Group (self-employed) 2001-02
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, USDOT,
2002-03
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, USDOT,
2003-05
Transportation Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq, 2005
Senior Counselor to the Secretary, USDOT, 2005-06
Chief of Staff, Small Business Administration, 2006-08
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, USDOT,
2008-11
Executive Director, Maritime Administration, USDOT, 2011-18
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International
Affairs, USDOT, January 2018 to Present
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
See Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Unpaid advisor to the International Leadership Foundation
(ILF), an Educational non-profit my wife and I founded in 2000.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religious organization, private club, or other membership organization.
Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any
organization. Please note whether any such club or organization
restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, or handicap.
Unpaid advisor to the International Leadership Foundation
(ILF), an Educational non-profit my wife and I founded in 2000.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Unsuccessful candidate for the Sacramento, CA Municipal Utility
District (SMUD) in 1998. No debts.
14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. Also list all offices
you have held with, and services rendered to, a state or national
political party or election committee during the same period. None.
15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Army Commendation Medal
Army Meritorious Service Medal
Presidential Rank Award (Meritorious Service)
USDOT War on Terror Medal
USDOT Inspirational Leader
Ellis Island Foundation Medal of Honor
Distinguished Visitor, Eisenhower School for National Security
and Resource Strategy, National Defense University
16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have
authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you
have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated. Do not attach copies of these publications unless otherwise
instructed.
No books, articles, columns, or publications. Since joining
Aviation & International Affairs, I have visited with and spoken to
Essential Air Service communities, and spoken on panels of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce and at the Federal Aviation Administration.
17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
(House) Committee on Small Business, March 12, 2009, Ensuring
Stimulus Contracts for Small and Veteran-Owned Businesses
(House) Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, March
26, 2009, DOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
(House) Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,
Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Marine Transportation, April 4,
2017, Authorization of Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Programs
(Senate) Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related
Agencies, April 5, 2017, Preventing Sexual Assault and Sexual
Harassment at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
(Senate) Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Science, Commerce
and Transportation, May 9, 2017, Maritime Transportation
18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
I have been performing the duties of the position to which I have
been nominated since January, 2018. Because of my work history, I had
prior experience in two-thirds of the functions of my position when I
joined the Office.
First, this position coordinates international activities across
DOT and, in conjunction with the State Department, negotiates air
access agreements with other countries. As the Transportation Counselor
in Iraq, I had invaluable lessons in dealing with other nations and the
State Department, including coordinating with Japan and other
international donors to the U.S.-led effort in Iraq. I stood up USDOT's
participation in the Strategic Economic Dialogue with China, and have
negotiated for USDOT with foreign counterparts in China and Nigeria. I
represented the Department at international forums in Germany and in
the Philippines. In the Maritime Administration, I discussed items of
mutual concern with officials in South Korea, Canada and Panama. I also
worked with ``the Cotton Club''--attaches with maritime and trade
portfolios from NATO and other U.S. allies. At U.S. EPA, I led a U.S.
trade mission to several Southeast Asian countries. I was also
stationed in Germany for three years in the U.S. Army until the end of
1984.
Secondly, this position administers Essential Air Service and Small
Community Air Service Development Program grants. In my two separate
stints as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, I
managed budget and staffing of the entire Office of the Under
Secretary, including these programs. I initiated and managed the first
three years of DOT's TIGER grant program; oversaw the program offices
with responsibility for grants and loan guarantees in the Maritime
Administration; and as the Chief of Staff of the Small Business
Administration, worked closely with the loan guarantee and government
contracting program offices and spearheaded the initiation of a new
loan guarantee program for veterans and their families.
Thirdly, this office handles economic aviation regulatory matters
within USDOT, including analyzing proposed mergers and joint ventures.
Although I do not have direct experience in this specialized field, I
am equipped through my academic background (economics, MBA) to
understand the issues and question the analysis and conclusions of each
case.
I have the good fortune to be an American, and I appreciate that
public service is one way to earn a living while giving back to the
country. This particular job is important. I believe I can do it well,
and I have the background to do it better than most.
19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
I am already responsible for ensuring that the Office of Aviation &
International Affairs has proper management controls. If confirmed, I
would continue that responsibility, and continue to work closely with
both the Chief Financial Officer of the Office of the Secretary and the
management and procurement staff in the Office of the Under Secretary,
who provide financial controls expertise for this office.
During the transition between Presidents Bush and Obama, I was the
senior official managing the entire Office of the Under Secretary,
including the Office of Aviation & International Affairs. During the
transition between Presidents Obama and Trump, I was the senior
official managing the Maritime Administration.
As Executive Director of the Maritime Administration, all the
program and support offices reported to me, totaling over 700 Federal
employees. As Chief of Staff of the Small Business Administration, I
directly supervised numerous staff offices, including the CFO,
procurement, human resources, administration, civil rights, and
government affairs.
In the Army, I was a Tank Platoon leader, and then the Executive
Officer and Acting Troop Commander of a Cavalry Troop of 200 officers
and soldiers.
20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
Safety is Secretary Chao's top priority. The primary reason the
Office of Aviation & International Affairs does economic regulatory
reviews of air carriers is to ensure that the financial condition of
airlines does not impair their ability to fully meet safety
requirements and responsibilities. This is an ever evolving challenge
as new carriers and new business models continually reshape the
industry.
In negotiating air access agreements with foreign countries, the
challenge is to advance both of our tandem goals; promote safe and
efficient air transportation while ensuring that U.S. air carriers and
the broader U.S. aviation industry are given the opportunity to compete
on a fair and level playing field.
This office is entrusted to manage the Congressionally-mandated
Essential Air Service (EAS) and Small Community Air Service Development
Program (SCASDP) programs. At a time of rising costs, the Office of
Aviation & International Affairs will be challenged to efficiently and
effectively manage the two programs, while ensuring that each community
receives quality and reliable air service.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
I have no financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements
or other continuing dealings with business associates, clients or
customers. I am eligible to draw a CalPers Pension. I have not
withdrawn any funds from it to date. This is reported in Part 3 of my
Public Financial Disclosure report.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of
interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered
into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential
conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of
interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered
into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential
conflicts of interest.
5. Describe any activity during the past ten years in which you
have been engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting
the administration and execution of law or public policy.
As a Federal government employee since 2002, I have only ever been
involved in representing the administration's position on legislative
matters.
6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of
interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered
into with DOT's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential
conflicts of interest.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees?
Yes, insofar as it is in my power to do so.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of Joel Szabat
2002-2006, 2008 to Present
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Washington, DC
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs since
January, 2018. Run the office in the absence of a non-career appointee.
Oversee staff that: negotiates agreements for U.S. air carriers to
operate internationally; licenses all foreign and domestic air carriers
to operate in the United States; rules on airline merger and joint
venture requests; manages the Essential Air Service and Small Community
Air Service Development grant programs; and coordinates international
activities and policy for the Secretary across DOT.
Executive Director of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) from 2011-
2018. MARAD's senior career official and Chief Operating Officer,
overseeing MARAD's career staff of nearly 800 Federal employees, and
several hundred contractors, with an annual budget of over $700
million, and over $1 billion of outstanding loans and grants. MARAD
runs the Nation's only civilian Federal service academy (university),
the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, New York.
MARAD maintains a reserve fleet of cargo ships for military sealift and
manages a commercial program including most of the U.S.-flag
international fleet. MARAD rose from the bottom third to the top half
of agencies in the Federal Best Places to Work survey, during this
period.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy from 20Q2-2003,
2008-2011. Named DOT's Federal officer responsible for the Recovery Act
in 2009. Stood up a dozen programs, which invested $48 billion in over
15,000 road, transit and rail surface transportation projects
nationwide. Oversaw the initial development and administration of the
first three rounds of TIGER grants. Coordinated a seven-federal agency
effort in 2002 under a Presidential executive order, to streamline
project reviews of key transportation infrastructure. Co-chaired, along
with the Department of Defense, the steering group of a multi-agency
committee that developed and coordinated the Federal Government's GPS
policy. Managed budget, staff and contract resources for the Office of
the Under Secretary, including Aviation & International Affairs.
Senior Counselor for Transportation Infrastructurefrom 2005-2006.
Advised Secretary. Led special projects such as Pandemic Flu
preparation, reviewing research and development across the department,
and Hurricane Katrina Lessons Learned.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management & Budget from 2003-2005. Led
DOT's participation in the President's Management Agenda. Tied for
first Federal agency to meet all requirements in four measured areas
(Human Capital, Budget and Performance Integration, Competitive
Sourcing, E-Government).
2006-2008
Chief of Staff, Small Business Administration
Washington, DC
Spearheaded the creation of the Patriot Express loan program, to help
veterans and their families. Helped to reform SBA's disaster-assistance
program, and to establish a public scorecard to track the progress of
Federal agencies in meeting their small business contracting goals.
Supervised the Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources, and other
administration. Inherited the lowest score among large agencies in the
Best Places to Work survey. The very next survey gave SBA the largest
increase (30 percent) of any large Federal agency.
February 2005-September 2005
Transportation Counselor to the Ambassador
Baghdad, Iraq
Directed the U.S. Government's transportation reconstruction program in
Iraq. Managed $544m in Federal funds, and coordinated with foreign
governments, to restore ports, airports and railroads in Iraq.
2001-2002
Principal, White Dragon Group
Sacramento, CA
Advised Asian Pacific American business leaders on how to increase
their civic engagement and effectiveness.
1993-2001
Principal Consultant for Transportation, California State Assembly
Sacramento, CA
Served as the minority (Republican) party's sole transportation
consultant. Analyzed bills, recommended how to vote, negotiated with
stakeholders and with the majority. Developed a proposal for long-term
infrastructure investment in California (the `20/20 vision'), adopted
by the party.
1990-1993
Executive Officer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC--Sacramento, CA
Advised the Administrator and Deputy Administrator on management,
budget and personnel issues. Piloted a program to embed Federal
officials with state governments for better federal-state cooperation.
1988-1990
Associate, Strategic Planning Associates (now Mercer Management)
Washington, DC
As a management consultant, advised railroad and trucking firms. Helped
develop an economic pricing model for long-haul trucking.
1981-1986
Captain, United States Army
Fulda Gap, Germany--Fort Devens, Massachusetts
Led a tank platoon and an Armored Cavalry Troop, as Executive Officer
and Acting Commander, patrolling the East-West German border during the
Cold War.
Education
Received a B.A. in Economics and Government from Georgetown University
(1981) and an MBA from Harvard Business School (1988)
Personal
Born in Texas; grew up in Massachusetts. Co-founded the International
Leadership Foundation (ILF), a non-profit organization promoting public
service for Asian Pacific American college students. Married to Chiling
Tong, a prominent APA activist, and co founder of the ILF.
Received the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award for leading the
Recovery Act and TIGER within DOT. Named an `inspirational leader' in
DOT in 2015. Earned the Meritorious Service Medal in the Army, and
awarded the Ellis Island Foundation Medal of Honor for work with the
Asian Pacific American community.
Career and Non-Career Positions
Appointed to a Schedule C (Administratively Determined) position at
USEPA from 1990-1993. Appointed to a Schedule C Senior Executive
Service position from 2002-2008. While at the Small Business
Administration in 2008, applied to, and was accepted for, a vacant
career Senior Executive Service position at USDOT. Have been a career
SES ever since.
Addendum
Specific Past Aviation & International Experience
Department of Transportation
Supervised MARAD's international office. Led trips to South Korea,
Panama, Canada and the Philippines for bi-lateral discussions, to
negotiate MOAs, and to represent MARAD at multilateral conferences. Met
regularly with military attaches and diplomatic staff (the `Cactus
Club') from the European Union and other allies to discuss issues of
mutual concern. Represented the Maritime Administration on the National
Defense Transportation Association (NDTA). The NDTA is comprised of the
major domestic commercial aviation, rail, trucking, maritime and
logistics firms as well as the Department of Defense agencies which
rely on them for most of DOD's logistics.
Responsible for budget, personnel and management issues for the Under
Secretary, during both stints as Deputy Assistant Secretary (2002-2003,
2008-2011) including the Office of Aviation and International Affairs,
and key programs in OST-X, such as EAS, SCASDP and Alaskan Mail Rates.
Co-led DOT's accession into the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue
(SED). Helped negotiate DOT's first MOAs with the newly-formed Chinese
Ministry of Transport. Negotiated with Chinese counterparts to break a
logjam in fireworks exports to the United States in time to prevent a
shortage of fireworks for the 4th of July in 2008. DOT's representative
on, and co-chair of, the Executive Steering Group of the seven federal-
agency Executive Committee on Space-Based Position, Navigation and
Timing (EXCOM). The EXCOM sets GPS policy, essential for FAAs Next
Generation (NextGen) air transportation system. Worked closely with
senior FAA executives to ensure their equities were represented in
Federal Government policy. Served as DOT's representative to the annual
GPS/Galileo conference in Oberpfaffenhoffen, Germany, in 2012.
Served as the Deputy Secretary's designated representative to the NDTA.
Represented DOT in aviation negotiations in Abuja, as Nigeria sought to
go from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in FAAs International Aviation Safety
Assessment Program to comply with international safety standards, and
allow direct flights between Nigeria and the United States.
U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq
Supervised U.S. DOT staff in Iraq, including a Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) team at the Baghdad airport. Oversaw $544m in
contract work rebuilding Iraq airports, ports and railroads. Negotiated
with the Government of Iraq (GOI) and U.S. corporations to complete
work at the Baghdad International Airport, and secure payment for the
finished work. Negotiated with foreign donors, especially the
Government of Japan, for contributions to ship channel dredging and
other important transportation infrastructure. Initiated discussions
with FAA for a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) to allow
U.S.-connected air service into Kurdistan airports. Flights were
eventually allowed in 2012. Negotiated with the GOI, Government of
Kuwait, and other foreign countries, for the return of Iraqi commercial
aircraft impounded in other countries, so Iraq could restart its
national airline. Participated in discussions with the U.S. military,
the Government of Jordan, and GOI over a smuggling ring led by GOI
officials that threatened to shut down commercial air service in
Baghdad.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Led first trade mission to promote the sales of environmental
technologies from U.S. businesses to Indonesia, Singapore, and
Thailand. Led initial negotiations with ASEAN countries to establish
the U.S.-Asian Environmental Partnership (AEP). Today, AEP is part of
the State Department, located in six Southeast Asian countries.
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Szabat. Thank all of you for
your remarks.
I know you all appreciate the importance of cooperation
with Congress. Nevertheless, these nomination hearings give us
an opportunity to underscore that point.
So the question I want to ask is, if confirmed, will you
pledge to work collaboratively with this Committee and its
members and to provide thorough and timely responses to our
requests for information?
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, I will.
Mr. Morhard. Yes, I will, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Szabat. Yes, I will.
The Chairman. Dr. Droegemeier, the Administration recently
identified U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum
information sciences, and strategic computing as top R&D budget
priorities, and this committee also marked up a bill recently
that I introduced with Ranking Member Nelson to prioritize
quantum research and standards.
But countries like China are also investing significant
resources in these fields, with China's overall R&D
expenditures projected to surpass those of the United States by
the end of this year.
What will you do at OSTP to enable U.S. advancements in AI
and quantum so that we can maintain a competitive advantage
over countries like China?
Dr. Droegemeier. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Those are
extremely important areas.
As you say, China and Russia are both moving very, very
rapidly, and I think quantum information science in particular
is really the next major revolution, all the way from basic
physics through devices and things like quantum computers
related to that, of course, is artificial intelligence, which
affects everything from financial services, looking at large
amounts of data, analyzing large amounts of data, to assisting
doctors with making diagnoses, and also things like enhancing
the opportunity for our veterans to find jobs, do the matching.
So these are extremely important areas.
The Federal Government, I think, is really prioritizing
these. The President, in his own budget but also in the OMB
OSTP Yearly Guidance Memo, has quantum information sciences,
artificial intelligence, machine learning as top priorities.
At OSTP, there is an Assistant Director for Quantum
Information Science and also an Assistant Director of
Artificial Intelligence. So these are very high-priority items.
There were summits that were held and organized by OSTP.
These are very large encompassing summits to bring multiple
agencies together to really basically chart strategic courses
for the Nation. Of course, they're not just in civilian work.
There's also substantial military components, as well, so
National Security Council and others like that in the Executive
Office of the President are also involved.
So extremely important. I think OSTP has a very important
role to play and has been playing it, but, as you say, China is
investing very heavily and making no bones about it. It's very
obvious they're putting that out there and in some sense
challenging us and we have to rise to the challenge. It's
extremely important, Mr. Chairman, that we take a leadership
role. America leads in these areas.
The Chairman. I couldn't agree more and hope you'll be
focused like a laser on those issues.
This would be to Dr. Droegemeier and Mr. Morhard. As you'll
likely observe during this hearing, there's a lot of debate
about the role of science in policymaking. So I want to ask you
as the Director of OSTP and as the Deputy Administrator of
NASA, respectively, should you be confirmed, what do you think
is the appropriate role of science in guiding policy?
Dr. Droegemeier. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe science
is extremely important in informing policy. I think science
needs to be conducted, as you mentioned earlier, free from
political interference. The science has to lead the way in
terms of telling us whatever the facts are. So my role, if I am
confirmed as Director, is to make sure that those scientific
results, unbiased, are presented to the President and others
for effective decisionmaking and policymaking.
The Chairman. Mr. Morhard.
Mr. Morhard. Mr. Chairman, I think it's critical that it be
assured there's no distortion or disregard for science or
scientific evidence, especially with the amount of effort that
goes on at NASA to collect scientific data.
The Chairman. This will be for Mr. Szabat, and it has to do
with EAS. DOT's responsible for administering that program,
which does play, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, an
important role in enabling rural communities to stay connected
to the national air transportation system.
I know that you're very familiar with the EAS System or
Program, I should say, given your current position. If
confirmed as Assistant Secretary, what will you do to ensure
that the EAS Program is carried out in an efficient and
effective manner?
Mr. Szabat. Mr. Chairman, thank you for that question.
You're exactly correct. The Essential Air Service is vitally
important and important not just as a Federal program but
especially to the communities that it serves.
Although I've only been serving in this position now for
less than eight months, I've already visited six states,
including to visit with EAS communities, including South
Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Mississippi, Virginia, and West
Virginia, and spoken to the airport directors and community
leaders in many more.
If confirmed, I will be a voice within the Administration
to champion the importance of what the local community leaders
tell us are the single-most important things for the
communities, which is dependable, reliable, and frequent air
service to these essential air service communities.
The cost pressures, as you alluded to, are enormous. Since
2011, costs have nearly doubled while the number of communities
in the program have been roughly flat. These cost pressures are
increasing.
I believe, and in my discussions with the airport
directors, they've indicated they also believe, that there are
a number of ways to contain these costs and to continue the
effective management of essential air services to the benefit
of the communities.
Some of these were suggested in the Administration's Fiscal
Year 2019 budget proposal. There are others that have been
suggested to me by the airport directors and community leaders.
If confirmed, I will work with interested members of
Congress, with the staff of this committee, and with the EAS
communities themselves to develop a consensus way forward.
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Szabat, and my time has
expired for questions, and my time to vote on the Floor has
expired, as well. So I need to go vote. I'm going to hand the
gavel to Senator Wicker to recognize in order of appearance
those who are here first.
Senator Wicker. Very good.
The Chairman. Senator Wicker.
STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER F. WICKER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI
Senator Wicker. All right. It seems that we have Senator
Gardner followed by Senator Cortez Masto.
Let me just observe, Mr. Szabat, that was an excellent list
of states to visit. I don't know how you came up with that list
but right on.
Mr. Szabat. I have excellent staff, Senator.
Senator Wicker. Senator Gardner.
STATEMENT OF HON. CORY GARDNER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO
Senator Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Szabat, congratulations on your nomination and thank
you so much for taking the time to meet with me. I appreciated
hearing your thoughts, particularly as they related to the
office's approach to China and Asia as a whole.
Aviation industry, aerospace industry extremely important
to Colorado, as it is, indeed, a fastly growing industry.
If confirmed, part of your role will require you to oversee
and engage in agreements and partnerships with foreign
countries and carriers seeking to provide air service to and
from the United States, is that accurate?
Mr. Szabat. Senator, yes, it is.
Senator Gardner. Yes. In our discussions, we talked about
how important it is that we're holding our partners accountable
to their commitments as part of such air transport agreements.
Could you talk about some of the things that affect and
impact the current state of our agreement and partnership with
China in particular?
Mr. Szabat. Senator, thank you for that question and thank
you for identifying what is, along with our air transportation
agreements with Europe, you know, the United States' single-
most important international partnership for aviation.
One of the things that I have learned since I joined the
office in January, and I think is reinforced by the 25 years
that I've had in Federal service, is the importance of not just
making agreements but of working with your partners to ensure
that they uphold the agreements that are made and so even
before I joined the office, we have had that challenge in
working with our partners, our aviation partners in China, and
so as we had discussed, Senator, from our perspective, there
are four areas where we would like to see improved progress
going forward in our relations with them where we think that we
have agreements and we need to see more progress in fulfilling
those agreements.
They include on the freight side what's called co-
terminalization, the ability of our freight carriers to be able
to fly into China and then move from one airport to another.
That fits their business model and this was agreed to and they
have challenges in doing so.
Also, the problem that the Chinese have writ large, which
is congestion in their airports, which affects their ability to
provide us both the slots and the frequencies, the routes, the
ability to fly into the country that, from our perspective,
they have agreed to.
And then, finally, you know, among the four, so co-
terminalization, the slots, the frequencies, but then we also
have some of the, what I would call, niches, the basic day-to-
day issues, such as speed with which normal requests are made,
whether they are for inspections of air frames or for co-
sharing among partners.
Senator Gardner. And so it's fair to say that China is not
meeting those four agreements at this point?
Mr. Szabat. That is our perspective. Yes, Senator.
Senator Gardner. There were reports this summer that China
was calling on our domestic air carriers, including American
Airlines and United Airlines, to change their content to
consumers regarding Taiwan.
In response to this, the White House issued a statement
saying, ``This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing
trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political
views on American citizens and private companies.''
Senator Rubio and I, along with others, sent a letter to
the CEO of United Airlines expressing our concern about the
bullying tactics by China and bullying tactics of China toward
U.S. businesses.
What are your thoughts on the Administration's comments on
this issue?
Mr. Szabat. Senator Gardner, thank you for that question,
and this has been a major issue almost from the moment that I
joined this office in January.
As you point out, the Administration's statement came out
on May 5. This was after the Chinese had made their demands of
all the international air carriers on April 27.
The challenge that we had in the Administration, and that's
not just us but the partners that we worked with in the State
Department as well as within the White House, such as the
National Security Council, is we, of course, opposed the action
that China took trying to force for political reasons private
businesses, in this case aviation businesses, airlines, from
complying with, you know, the political world as they would
want to see it.
But the challenge from our perspective is we do not want to
fall in that same trap and order U.S. businesses how they
should respond. So, instead, we worked with those businesses,
those affected airlines. We encouraged them to work together so
that they cannot get picked off one by one by the Chinese
Government and they did so and they came up with a common
response to the Chinese Government.
Senator Gardner. Mr. Szabat, if I can interrupt for a
moment. I'm going to run out of time and I want to ask one
question to Dr. Droegemeier but before that, I want to just
state this.
I am really concerned about China's bullying tactics and
bullying American companies, airlines today. Who will it be
tomorrow? And if the airlines succumb to Chinese bullying
tactics, then China will know they can bully other American
companies and then pretty soon you have Internet companies
going into China agreeing to censor sites, which is being done
right now.
I drafted an amendment in this case to offer to the FAA
Reauthorization Bill an amendment that would require that as a
condition to operate in U.S. national air space any carrier
must refer to Taipei, Taiwan.
Dr. Droegemeier, the U.S. obviously has some of the
strongest science research laboratories in the world helping
drive U.S. competition. I've talked a lot about China with Mr.
Szabat.
Could you talk a little bit about innovation, staying on
top of science research, development, funding importance, and
how we can compete with China in the future?
Dr. Droegemeier. Absolutely. It's extremely important,
Senator Gardner.
I think we need to make sure that we are the strongest
research enterprise in the world. OSTP sits on a committee
called CFIUS, Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.
That's one way to really monitor what China is doing in terms
of its predatory trade practices and unfair advantage it tries
to take of science.
It also has well-known history of stealing intellectual
property, stealing research results, and things like that,
while at the same time, as we welcome foreign researchers into
the U.S., I think historically they've been a very important
and robust part of our enterprise we have to do that with care,
with some degree of care, and so this is something I think that
the highest education communities needs to look at, certainly
OSTP with its role on the CFIUS and other organizations need to
be mindful of, and we need to manage this challenge because
it's very openly done.
Actually in my own state, I've helped coordinate some of
this stuff. I've been briefed by the FBI in my role as the VP
for Research at the university and I can tell you it's
happening. I've seen it happen. So it's a big threat to the
U.S.
Senator Gardner. Thank you, Dr. Droegemeier, and as the
Committee recalls, Dr. Droegemeier helped lead the AMERICA
COMPETES Reauthorization, the roundtables we did, that this
Committee passed in a strongly bipartisan fashion.
It was you who said to this Committee thanks for making
science bipartisan again. Thank you, Dr. Droegemeier.
Senator Wicker. Thank you, Senator Gardner.
Senator Nelson.
Senator Nelson. Thank you. Mr. Morhard, in the past in
NASA, there have been times when the Administrator and the
Deputy were not on the same page.
What do you see as the role of the Deputy when it comes to
supporting the Administrator and what will you do to make sure
the two of you get along?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, I appreciate the question.
The Administrator is my boss and he has the vision and the
voice of NASA, and I see it as I will help him run the
organization.
I started out at the Navy Department and I'm very clear of
how chain of command works and it has served me well through my
tenure of working and I would use that but with that, I know
your concerns regarding safety. It's making sure that those
processes are working and it gets down, I think, to governance
and it's the authorities and the accountability of governance
structures that have to be aligned, so that if you have an
issue that's somewhere in the chain of command, it can get to
you, whether it's through the chain of command or through the
independent processes they have set up there.
I think part of the--if I'm confirmed, it's going there and
with a new leadership, do those processes work with the new
personalities that are there, and I assure you that if I am
confirmed, I'm going to be looking at that.
Senator Nelson. Yes. Well, you and I have talked about this
and you have certainly satisfied me when I shared with you my
experience that, for example, the loss of two space shuttles,
first Challenger and then Columbia, was because the management
was not listening to the engineers on the line who were warning
them about the technical problems, albeit different in the
destruction of each space shuttle, but nevertheless the folks
on the line understood, and management was not letting that
filter into their decisions.
Dr. Droegemeier, what steps are you going to take to ensure
the Federal science is conducted and communicated free from
political interference?
Dr. Droegemeier. Senator, that's an exceptionally important
issue.
As a practicing scientist, as somebody who's overseen a
science enterprise at a university and also been on the
National Science Board, I can tell you that the ethical conduct
of research with integrity, without political interference in
the scientific process, is absolutely without question
important and, to me, there is no other way to do it.
If we sacrifice, compromise on that, then the science, the
entrusted public focus that we have, the public-private
partnership that we have, the foundations of research and the
public trust kind of come undone. So to me, that's very
critical.
OSTP, I think, has a very important role to play in that
activity. In the past, it has communicated and coordinated with
all the Federal R&D agencies to have them provide their
particular strategies for ensuring exactly what I was talking
about and I think we need to make sure that we're vigilant,
make sure that those practices are being followed, extremely
important.
Senator Nelson. Since we're in hurricane season, you've
worked with us in the past to improve the public's response to
hurricane warnings.
You know what's happening. Fires, floods, storms. It's
happening all over. We're seeing, because, in part, of heat,
persistent algae blooms on both of Florida's coasts, although
fueled by nutrients.
What should we be focusing our research efforts on to
mitigate the risk of all of this that's happening?
Dr. Droegemeier. Another extremely important question. We
really have to understand in the case of harmful algae blooms,
for example, how these things happen and how they explosively
develop like they do, and my own university has done a lot of
work in this area in harmful algae blooms. In fact, Senator
Inhofe became quite ill one time with one of these things. So I
think fundamentally in all the things you mentioned we have to
understand the underlying issues, improve the science and
prediction of these, whether it's the biological things,
whether it's hurricanes and so on.
But another really important thing we oftentimes don't talk
much about is the communication of the threats to the public
and understanding how the public responds and this is where the
social behavioral sciences could really play an important role
and when we worked together, you and I, on that hurricane
research initiative 10 years ago that all-encompassing strategy
that we worked on with the National Science Board did just that
and, frankly, I wish we would have gotten funding for it
because that looked at the hurricane in particular in its
totality, not just the physical science, the observations, but
the social behavioral dimensions because at the end of the day,
everything you mentioned is about people.
It affects people, and we have to understand that people
dimension, as well, and that's something I would commit to you,
to work with you and others, on addressing those important
issues were I confirmed.
Senator Nelson. I hate to have to bring this up, but the
National Academies of Science put out a report that says
there's sexual harassment in academic science. Your thoughts?
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, indeed, this again is something, as a
Vice President for Research, that I deal with this in
compliance at my university. That report came out in 2018 and
it looked at--it was specifically targeted at women in the work
place but especially in academia and it made some important
conclusions.
It said this sort of thing inhibits recruiting women,
retaining women, and then it inhibits their pathways as they
move throughout their career. It looked at some best practices
and that was really important. So I think that's good.
In fact, there's a November workshop, I believe, on this,
but, Senator, something that happened I thought that was
extremely important. The National Science Foundation put out a
so-called Important Notice Number 144 earlier this year and as
Vice President for Research, I was involved in taking that to
my university, helping us to understand and ask questions and
get clarification.
What NSF basically did, they agreed with my personal
feeling and a lot of us who say this kind of behavior is
absolutely unacceptable, never going to be acceptable, has to
stop. We owe all of our researchers a safe environment in which
to work and NSF put an important stake in the ground and they
said we will not tolerate sexual harassment of women or any
other individuals. The work place will be safe and we want you
to do that but, on the other hand, we also reserve the right to
come in and take away funding and take unilateral action.
I thought that was a really important strong statement.
Bringing that to OSTP, what would OSTP do with that, Senator? I
think OSTP could then take that and say, OK, let's have all the
agencies in that conversation, maybe take that and promulgate
it throughout all of the agencies that do R&D. Nothing more
important than making sure that we have safe environments.
Senator Nelson. Mr. Chairman, one final question since I
haven't spoken to Mr. Szabat.
You're going to be in a position to do something about the
fact that this Committee has taken a very strong position with
regard to protection of passengers, consumer protections on
airlines, and yet we have not seen the airlines do the things
that we have in fact discussed in this committee, such as
ensuring that young children are able to sit next to at least
one parent with no charge, or the fact that when paid checked
luggage is lost or not delivered in a timely manner, they don't
even get a refund on paying for their bag. What can you do
about this?
Mr. Szabat. Senator, thank you for the question and for
raising a valid and important concern.
Since I joined the Department of Transportation in 2002,
safety and fair treatment of the traveling public have always
been part of the culture and part of the regulatory role of the
department.
The particular issues that you raise, the children sitting
with parents, the treatment of luggage, falls under the purview
of the Aviation and Consumer Protection Office, but if I am
confirmed and sitting in the office as Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs, I commit to work with them,
with the involved offices in the Federal Aviation
Administration, with yourself, your staff, and interested
members of this committee to address these concerns for the
traveling public.
Senator Nelson. Thank you, sir.
Senator Wicker. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
Senator Udall.
STATEMENT OF HON. TOM UDALL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Udall. Thank you so much, Chairman Wicker, really
appreciate the hearing today.
Don't worry about this bandage. I'm fine. You should see
the other guy.
[Laughter.]
Senator Udall. The New York Times recently published a
lengthy article, Dr. Droegemeier, on the history of climate
change actions in our country, called ``Losing Earth.'' I
mentioned this article to you when we met earlier in the week.
The author concludes that we had an opportunity during the
decade between 1979-1989 to take climate change head-on but we
failed.
Will you dedicate yourself to work to address climate
change impacts in America?
Dr. Droegemeier. Well, thank you, Senator. I did pull that
article down and you were right. It was a 40,000-some words and
I enjoyed looking at it, a lot of familiar names in there. It
was a very interesting history.
I absolutely believe that we have to look at the future.
That was the past, right. It talked about, as you say, that era
from 1979 to 1989. I'm really focused as sort of a guy who does
weather modeling of predicting the future. I'm really looking
at what we do in the future. So, absolutely, I'm very excited
to work on that.
I think we need improvements in climate models. We need
lots of things going forward, lots of things we could do, and I
talked to various Senators, including Senator Hassan about this
in her home state of resiliency.
You know, she made the point when we rebuild from
destruction, we tend to rebuild and not build for the future.
That's a great example, Senator, of the things that I think we
need to be doing. So, absolutely, I'm very excited to work on
that with you and see what we can do to move forward.
Senator Udall. Great. And what specific actions will you
take as the leader of OSTP to act on climate change?
Dr. Droegemeier. Absolutely. One of the important bills
that was passed by this Committee and signed into law was the
Weather Forecast Improvement Act and, for example, with regard
to hurricanes, there's a National Hurricane Research Initiative
that's part of that, also activities that look at doing more
seasonal forecasting and bringing the climate and the weather
communities together to work together. They could actually
learn a lot from one another.
In the climate modeling going forward, we need to reduce
uncertainty. There certainly is uncertainty, kind of an ironic
way to say it, but in climate models, we need to reduce that. I
think the weather modeling community can be very, very helpful
there.
Also, when you're thinking about numerical prediction
beyond sort of the weather times scales we see now of a few
days, maybe out to 7 days into seasonal time scales, very
important for agriculture, for other areas.
So kind of moving the weather forecasting further
downstream sort of into the climate arena, so there's a real
symbiosis there to be gained, Senator, and that would be
something I would like to work on as well as things that I
mentioned in risk and resilience with Senator Hassan.
Senator Udall. Yes, and I assume from the question that was
asked earlier about scientific integrity that you would also
preserve scientific integrity in this climate change arena?
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, sir, absolutely.
Senator Udall. Dr. Droegemeier, we discussed the importance
of ensuring that the United States research and education
enterprise is robust and competitive at the international
level.
How will you ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader
in science, technology, and innovation and continues to be a
trusted partner in international research?
Dr. Droegemeier. That goal that you just mentioned really
is the goal to me, is to really ensure American leadership in
all the things you mentioned.
I think, first of all, we need to have our strategy. We
need to look at what the key things are and the Chairman
mentioned a few of them a moment ago, the artificial
intelligence, quantum information sciences. There's also AI and
machine learning. There's advanced manufacturing and these
kinds of things.
Other countries are aggressively pursuing these things, as
well, because they see them as game-changers. So we have to be
very smart in our planning. I kind of take a portfolio look
across the Federal Government to look at what are we doing not
just within an agency but topically across agencies.
I think we need to have efficiencies. We need to remove
regulatory burden that hampers our best and brightest
scientists. Some compliance activities are extremely important
but others are very unnecessary and we know that. So I think we
need to untie our hands.
Also, Senator, I think we need to be very efficient and
effective in moving research outcomes into the applied arena,
into the private sector, where they can then grow jobs and be
put into practice. So all of those kinds of things, I think,
are really critical.
Other countries don't have what we have. We have not only
American ingenuity, we have a fabulous higher education system,
incredible national labs. We have amazing private companies and
innovative spirit. We really are leading despite what you see
in terms of the dollars of other countries, but we've got to
watch those dollars because they are on our heels. Absolutely,
sir.
Senator Udall. Thank you very much, and, Mr. Chairman, I'll
submit additional--I didn't mean to just focus on you. I had
questions for the other witnesses, but I'll put those in for
the record. I know we have a lot of our colleagues here.
Thank you.
Senator Gardner. Thank you, Senator Udall. Thanks for not
roughing up Dr. Droegemeier.
[Laughter.]
Senator Gardner. Senator Hassan.
STATEMENT OF HON. MAGGIE HASSAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE
Senator Hassan. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to our
nominees for being here today, for your willingness to serve
your country. Thank your families, as well, because this is a
family affair, and we appreciate all of your willingness to
serve and your service to date, as well.
I want to extend a particularly warm welcome to our
nominee, to be Head of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy, as we've been waiting a long time for this nomination--
578 days to be exact, but who's counting? Actually, some of us
were, and so I led two letters last year to the President
urging action on this vacancy because of the critical
importance of this position, and I'm really pleased to see that
our calls have finally been answered and you're here. So I look
forward to our discussion and I will start, Dr. Droegemeier,
with a question for you.
When you visited my office earlier this week, and I really
enjoyed our discussion, we talked about the importance of STEM
education. The United States is currently facing a serious STEM
challenge. We're not producing enough qualified new STEM
graduates to meet the needs of our modern workforce, which is
something I hear from employers in New Hampshire all the time,
from science enterprises to advanced manufacturers.
Part of the problem is that women and people of color are
not joining these fields at equitable rates, leaving behind a
large portion of our talent and our future workforce pipeline.
Should you be confirmed, in what ways will you lead the
Office of Science and Technology Policy in meeting these
challenges?
Dr. Droegemeier. Well, thank you, Senator. You hit upon
something that really is something I'm passionate about but
passion is not enough. You have to do things.
In Oklahoma, I've been part of the Governor--and I know you
were a Governor, as well. We talked about this, of Governor
Fallin's STEM Initiatives and STEM activities, also at my own
university.
Building the STEM workforce of the future is absolutely
essential. It has to run the spectrum from K-12 all the way
through higher education and we have to really understand what
the need is out there.
Underrepresented populations is a huge challenge and I've
worked a lot on that and I think this is one of the biggest and
most important things, whether it's Native Americans, people of
color, whatever. We've got to bring them in, and we've been
spending, frankly, a lot of money on that and the needle is
quivering. It's not really moving.
Senator Hassan. Right.
Dr. Droegemeier. So we have to really do more. Now I can
tell you that the Office of Science and Technology Policy is
working on a five-year STEM Strategic Plan for the Nation and I
think that's a really important thing.
In fact, there was a committee just recently created. Out
of 500 nominations, there were 18 phenomenal people chosen.
Gabriela Gonzalez of Intel is leading that effort. So I think
that's really good for the future. NSF, NOAA, NASA, and DOE, I
think, are involved. NSF is the lead agency.
So we've really got to make progress there because we are
really in a challenge in meeting the future need and my NSB
colleagues behind here on the Science Board, we looked at this,
as well, Senator, and, in addition to the STEM workforce, it's
the STEM-enabled workforce.
Folks who get degrees not in STEM, we encourage them, look,
take some courses in other fields because I think the
statistics is something like one-fourth of all IT workers in
this country don't have a STEM degree. So having a STEM degree
isn't just the absolute end-all. You know, having STEM
capabilities makes you employable in a lot of different areas.
So we have to think about broadening participation to bring
those folks in.
Senator Hassan. Right. And I think we have to think about
ways of offering stackable credentials in the fields so that
people can do it while they're working, while they're raising
family, and move forward that way.
Dr. Droegemeier. Correct.
Senator Hassan. I also wanted to follow up with you on
something we just touched on in our conversation.
I've been working to free up additional spectrum to support
the needs of the wireless industry as we move towards adopting
5G nationwide and one step I took was with my colleague,
Senator Gardner. We introduced together the AIRWAVES Act, which
sets goals and timelines to get additional licensed and
unlicensed spectrum into the hands of industry, innovators, and
the public.
The legislation also makes meaningful investments in rural
broadband. In order to achieve goals like those outlined in the
AIRWAVES Act, we'll need cooperation between Federal agencies,
including the Department of Commerce, FCC, the Department of
Transportation, and the Department of Defense, just to name a
few.
Do you see the Office of Science and Technology Policy
playing a leadership role in spectrum policy if you're
confirmed, and, if so, what would that role look like?
Dr. Droegemeier. Absolutely, I do, Senator. In fact, OSTP
right now, there's a broadband initiative. The President has a
broadband initiative. In the yearly OMB Guidance Memo, American
connectivity is one of the key things that is highlighted as a
priority, bringing broadband to rural communities, to empower
rural communities, also to people who are immobile and don't
have access otherwise to certain things, like education and
healthcare through the mobile environment.
For OSTP, I think it's helping to make sure that the
research gets done, to create the capabilities, the
technological capabilities. The Federal Government can provide,
as you say, the spectrum. That's really important, through the
spectrum auction, I'm familiar with that because in our radar
work, we've worked to free up spectrum. That's really critical,
and then some of the infrastructure and then the private sector
being a full partner in this thing, to actually deliver the
capabilities.
To me, this is again one of the great priorities because
we've got to empower all of America and living in a state that
is a rural state, I recognize that some of those folks that
live in rural Oklahoma, they're not participants but they need
to be participants in our society, full participants, and
broadband is an incredibly important way to bring them in and
make them a part of the whole enterprise.
Senator Hassan. Yes. It's critical to our democracy.
Dr. Droegemeier. Absolutely.
Senator Hassan. So thank you so much, and I, like Senator
Udall, have other questions for the other nominees. I will
submit them for the record.
Again, thank you both for your willingness to serve, and
thank you, too, Doctor. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Senator Gardner. Senator Markey.
STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS
Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Morhard, the position for which you are nominated
requires an understanding of climate science.
Do you agree with the overwhelming scientific evidence that
human activity is the dominant driver in the warming of the
planet?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, I believe the climate's changing and
that man has a significant impact on it.
Senator Markey. Do you agree that it's the dominant driver
of climate change?
Mr. Morhard. I can't speak authoritatively on that,
Senator, to make that statement.
Senator Markey. Well, that's not with the consensus of
scientists around the planet and have reached every National
Academy of Science for every country in the world has reached
that conclusion.
Let me come over to you, Dr. Droegemeier. Are you committed
to protecting the scientists who work within the Administration
to ensure that if their consensus is that humanity, human
beings are the dominant cause for the warming, that they will
not be punished, that they will not be removed, that they will
not be in any way intimidated by officials within the
Administration for political rather than scientific reasons?
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, Senator Markey, it is my position
that science must be conducted without political influence, and
I believe that that includes the things that you mentioned.
Scientists have to be free to explore. That's what science
is about, and we have to make certain that they are free to do
so. So I absolutely agree that it has to be free from political
influence and conducted with the highest integrity.
Senator Markey. So, Mr. Morhard, given the fact that you're
kind of hedging on this issue and not willing to make a full-
throated commitment to that scientific consensus that human
beings are the dominant cause of the problem, how will you
ensure that scientists at NASA will not be unduly influenced
since they are part of that large consensus that climate change
is caused by human beings? How are you going to give us a
guarantee that they will not be in any way affected by your
supervision over them?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, first, thank you for asking me the
question.
I certainly, if confirmed, would work to assure that
there's no distortion or disregard for science and scientific
evidence. If we compromise on it, we won't have science. So I
can assure you that there--I think it's critical that we don't
have--there is no influence on the outcome of the scientific
method.
Senator Markey. Mr. Szabat, now that the United Kingdom has
left the EU, the United States and the U.K. are negotiating an
Open Skies agreement which will dictate the terms by which
airlines can set routes, capacity, and pricing between the two
countries.
How will you assure me that protecting U.S. jobs is a
priority for the U.K. Open Skies discussions?
Mr. Szabat. Senator, yes, I can, and I do.
Senator Markey. You will?
Mr. Szabat. I will. I have.
Senator Markey. All right. All right. We just hope that
there will be enough evidence to convict you of having done
that, OK, of protecting these people.
Mr. Droegemeier, I've introduced a bill called ``The Cyber
Shield Act,'' which creates a cybersecurity certification
program, allowing Internet of things, manufacturers to
voluntarily certify that their products meet industry-leading
cybersecurity and data security benchmarks.
Would you be supportive of that kind of legislation?
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, sir. I haven't read the bill, but as
we talked in your office, I think cybersecurity is really one
of the greatest threats facing the nation because of all of the
connectivity and all the new things, artificial intelligence,
coming online, all the nefarious things that could happen.
So you said of that kind, I absolutely support that, and
I'd be happy to read the bill, but I think you're on the right
track. We have to have those kinds of measures. Absolutely.
Senator Markey. Yes. Thank you. And just finally in terms
of science and technology, the atmosphere within this
Administration is very aggressively negative on science and
technology in terms of allowing for the future to open up and
for there to be protection of those apertures which have to be
created and so from my perspective, that's going to be the
criteria by which I am judging, you know, your nominations.
We thank you for being here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Gardner. Thank you, Senator Markey.
Senator Cortez Masto.
STATEMENT OF HON. CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. Gentlemen, thank you for
your willingness to serve.
Dr. Droegemeier, it was really a pleasure to meet with you.
Thank you for taking the time, as well. Welcome to your family.
I don't know whose daughter this is but she has been awake and
alert the whole time. It is fantastic to see that. Is that your
daughter? Your daughter?
Mr. Morhard. My granddaughter.
Senator Cortez Masto. Your granddaughter, Mr. Morhard.
Mr. Morhard. Yes.
Senator Cortez Masto. So welcome to the families. This is
fantastic.
So let me just say all three of you are going to play
important roles in various areas of our economy and society.
One of them that is most important that I'm really interested
in is technology and innovation. It's playing a big part in
Nevada right now of our recovery and economic future. That's
why I've worked so hard to--my state, I think, is an innovation
state and have introduced, hope to pass, various initiatives,
including the Safe Drone Act, the Moving First Act, and the
Code Like a Girl Act.
Dr. Droegemeier, let me start with you. Back in April,
Senator Peters and I sent a letter to the White House asking
for clarification on some of the activities of the Office of
American Innovation which is run by Jared Kushner. Four months
later, we have received no response at all. I note this because
the Federal Government's role on innovation is a big priority
of mine and we need to ensure that any office in charge of this
issue is being transparent and working with all of us.
I know you're going to be in charge of OSTP and not OAI,
but you will work closely with OAI and I just want to see if
you're willing to help me get a commitment from that office on
the letter with respect to innovation.
Dr. Droegemeier. Well, certainly as you mentioned, Senator,
innovation is very important and I'd be happy to be part of
that team and work collaboratively with everyone on innovation,
very important.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate
that.
So to you and Dr. Morhard, as we talk about innovation and
the evolution of technology involved in this space, we're
always trying to find a sweet spot between advancing innovation
and considering things, like you've heard from my colleague,
cybersecurity, safety, and privacy, as we develop these new
technologies.
Can you just let me know how you will be working with other
entities in the government to achieve these aims and how we can
work with you, as well, to address these concerns?
Dr. Droegemeier. I can tell you that in my view, Senator,
it's a very important question. We develop technology very
rapidly and we know the pace is huge.
What is much slower is the extent to which we really
understand the human uptake, the social use of the technology,
and those kinds of things.
We really have to at least get it caught up, get the latter
caught up with the former to where we aren't putting technology
out there and, all of a sudden, oh, my gosh, now what do we do?
You know, people are posting suicide videos on Facebook. Who
would have thought? Flash mobs. We've got a whole new thing to
deal with.
So I think the pace of discovery and acceleration and
innovation is there and we don't want to throttle it back. We
have to accelerate the social behavioral aspects because at the
end of the day again we're always dealing with people. So this
is something that I think OSTP certainly is unique to doing in
the government of again seeing the box top, the puzzle, and
saying, OK, we've got the technology, we need to bring in these
other dimensions and make sure that we're working as an
ecosystem, not just purely the technology piece, and I think
we've paid prices for that in the past, frankly, for not doing
that.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. And, Mr. Morhard, do you
have thoughts on that?
Mr. Morhard. Yes, Senator. UAS traffic management is a good
example and I know that's something that you're very much
involved with, and it's not just in the United States, it's all
over the world, and it's the standards that the Aeronautics
Mission Directorate's working on now. They're going to affect
the United States but it's going to affect the world, and it's
so critical that we do that now before it gets out of control
in other places and so I would say we look forward to working
with you on it and certainly want to promote it as quickly as
we can.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. And let me just highlight
this because I say this all the time. As we build this
architecture, infrastructure, whatever you want to call it, we
should be putting those guardrails in for cybersecurity and
privacy at the same time because it is so hard to come back in
after the fact and try to lay those over the infrastructure
that's been created. So I look forward to working with all of
you on those, as well.
Mr. Szabat, one of the stated goals of your office is, and
I quote, ``Developing policies to improve air service and/or
access to the commercial aviation system for small and rural
communities.''
I appreciate that you specifically noted in one of your
priorities and in your testimony this small and rural
communities, as well.
Can I get your thoughts on aviation competition for all
airports, specifically how you plan to support the mid and
small community air service between the two main programs that
you noted in your testimony and, as well, in your statement?
Nevada has remote places, and I've been to Elko, Nevada, as
well as Alamo, and they both have rural airports there. I'm
always concerned about how we include them and should be
including them as we talk about this space. So if you don't
mind?
Mr. Szabat. Senator, thank you for the question. I think,
as you're aware, under President Trump's Administration, we do
have a focus on rural infrastructure and development of
technology in rural areas.
So specifically to your question about the airports, you
know, you are correct. We have both the Essential Air Service
and the SCASDP, Small Community Air Service Development
Program, both of which continue to serve airports in Nevada as
SCASDP has, and those communities are eligible to continue
going forward.
The situation as it affects Nevada is also the same as it
is nationwide, is our challenge is if we want to continue to
provide these essential air services, we are going to have to
work with the communities to find a better way, a cost-
effective way to increase the frequency and especially the
reliability of the air services to these communities. Without
reliability, nothing else matters. Passengers will not come to
those airports. They will drive much farther and as the leaders
of the communities, I'm sure, have told you, have told us,
without those airports, they cannot attract businesses. The
economic growth of the community suffers.
So my commitment, if confirmed, Senator, is to work with
you, interested members of this committee, and the staff, as
well as the officials in these airports themselves to find a
better way forward that we can work both between the carriers
and the airports to increase the reliability and the frequency
of the services to these communities.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
I notice my time is up.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cortez Masto.
Senator Blumenthal.
STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT
Senator Blumenthal. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Droegemeier, the role of your office and you personally
will be in a sense to advocate for scientific integrity and I
know a number of my colleagues have remarked on the somewhat
disturbing lack of appreciation in this Administration for
scientific integrity, undermining the role of science in public
policy, withdrawing from the Climate Accord, giving industry
undue influence in certain decisionmaking challenges, creating
a hostile environment for some Federal scientists, and reducing
public access to scientific information.
Do you intend to be an advocate against those kinds of
tendencies?
Dr. Droegemeier. Senator, I strongly advocate for--I don't
know if I'd say I advocate against or advocate for the
positives, but I agree that all the things you mentioned are
challenges and problems and science has to be done with
integrity. So I think I would either advocate that they be
undone or advocate for the positive and if maybe one is the
same as the other, but to me, integrity in science is
everything. We owe that to the American taxpayer, we owe it to
science, and we owe it to the future of our country to be
honest and to conduct science in the absolute most honest way
full of integrity and without being encumbered by political
influence. So I certainly want to advocate for that, yes.
Senator Blumenthal. And so a hostile work environment for
scientists is a threat to public health and safety, is it not?
Dr. Droegemeier. It certainly can be and as we talked about
earlier with regard to things like sexual harassment and the
kind of work environments. We need environments where we
attract people that want to come and do science and work for
the government, for example. If we don't have that, then we're
not going to get the people that we need and Federal Government
scientific enterprise plays a very important role in our
country. So we have to have the positive environment. Yes, sir.
Senator Blumenthal. But apart from sexual harassment and
other absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable practices
elsewhere, respect for scientific integrity is something that
you uniquely have to be an advocate for, would you agree?
Dr. Droegemeier. I would absolutely agree with that and
that is my plan, sir, yes.
Senator Blumenthal. Thank you.
Dr. Droegemeier. You bet.
Senator Blumenthal. Mr. Morhard, I was interested in some
of the questions that have been asked, but I want to repeat the
same line at the risk of being overly-repetitive.
Your boss-to-be, if you are confirmed, said that he wanted
``somebody who has a lot of space experience, a space
professional. It needs to be somebody who has run large
organizations, who understands the technology.'' That's what
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein said he wanted in his
deputy.
What do you say to critics who have indicated you meet none
of those qualifications?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, I appreciate the question. I believe
the work at NASA, if I'm confirmed, is empowering scientists
and engineers and astronauts and technicians and also the quiet
professionals that are behind the scenes that really are the
connective tissue of NASA.
For my part, it's really creating an atmosphere for these
people of collaboration, of a team, where people can enjoy
their jobs and they're able to see a clear vision of success,
and that's----
Senator Blumenthal. And I'm more than happy to allow you to
make this response in writing for the record.
Mr. Morhard. Yes.
Senator Blumenthal. I'm going to run out of time.
Mr. Morhard. OK. I'm sorry.
Senator Blumenthal. So what do you say to critics who say
you don't meet those qualifications, you don't have space
experience, you're not a space professional, you've never run a
large organization, and you have no background in technology?
You're going to learn about those things or they're not
necessary or what would you say?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, I'm helping to run an organization
right now that's the largest on Capitol Hill and the processes
of an organization, whether it's working in operations or the
safety and security side of it, the legal side of it, the H.R.
side of it, the budget discipline that's needed, the schedule
discipline, all those things are critical and that part, I
think I can bring to NASA with folks that don't have that
background.
Senator Blumenthal. I appreciate your answer.
Mr. Morhard. Yes, sir.
Senator Blumenthal. My time has expired. Mr. Chairman, I'd
just like to enter into the record the recent survey done by
the Union of Concerned Scientists showing pervasive political
interference in science in this Administration. I'd like that
to be made part of the record.
The Chairman. Without objection. Thank you, Senator
Blumenthal.
[The Union of Concerned Scientists Survey follows:]
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chairman. Senator Cruz.
STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Welcome to each of the witnesses. Thank you for your
testimony. Congratulations on your nominations.
Mr. Morhard, can you share with this Committee what your
views are on what the approach should be to the International
Space Station?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, thank you for the question. I think
the International Space Station is one of the greatest
technical achievements of our time, and I think there are a
number of musts that go with it.
One is that we have got to have the continuity of human
space flight. It's critical for our future that that does not
get interrupted. Second, I think we need to protect the talent
pool in places like Johnson Space Center, and I think, third,
we've got to find a viable transition plan that's attractive to
this committee because it's not going to go anywhere unless you
all agree to it but also attractive to private industry and
that allows them, NASA, to focus on deep space if we can find
such a transition plan.
Senator Cruz. Do you agree that we should get the maximum
usable life out of the Space Station after the taxpayers have
invested over a $100 billion in it?
Mr. Morhard. I agree that we should get the best use out of
it we can.
Senator Cruz. Do you also agree that it would be
catastrophic to cede low earth orbit to the Chinese and have
the Chinese operating the only platform in low earth orbit?
Mr. Morhard. I completely agree with that, and I think they
would if they had the opportunity.
Senator Cruz. Since 2011, Congress has used the
appropriation process to prohibit NASA from cooperating with
China on space exploration. Do you agree with that prohibition?
Mr. Morhard. Yes, sir. I worked with Congressman Wolf on
the Commerce-Justice-State bill and I'm familiar with the Wolf
Amendment and I think it's very appropriate.
Senator Cruz. Dr. Droegemeier, on the question of global
warming that has been an issue that has been deeply politicized
in Washington. What are your views on whether questions of
science should be driven by political agendas in Washington?
Dr. Droegemeier. It's a great question, Senator. As we
talked about earlier before you arrived, I am absolutely firm
on the point that science should be conducted without political
interference or political influence.
By that, I mean they should not--politicians, appointed
individuals, political appointees should not be involved in the
scientific process. They should also be free to explain and
express their results without any encumbrance from a political
process.
If priorities are set, for example, by Congress and then
scientists follow the priorities, then, you know, that's a
different matter because the research is still being conducted
independent of political influence but it's following, OK,
artificial intelligence is a priority, so therefore Congress
has said, OK, there's money for artificial intelligence and it
should be conducted and so on and so forth, that kind of thing.
But I think fundamentally it should be free from political
influence. That's absolutely to me non-negotiable and
completely conducted with integrity.
Senator Cruz. Should questions of policy concerning science
be dictated by actual data and evidence rather than political
agendas of Members of Congress who want to expand government
control over the economy?
Dr. Droegemeier. Well, certainly my role, if I'm confirmed
as Director of OSTP, is to bring unbiased science, the best
science available to the Executive Branch, to all parties and
make sure that that information is at the table and available
for policymaking.
Senator Cruz. Do you believe there is only one acceptable
and permissible view when it comes to issues of climate?
Dr. Droegemeier. I know that there are multiple views. To
me, Senator, I welcome all points of view. As a scientist, I
get very concerned, and I've read articles where they say, OK,
this particular viewpoint is science, not climate necessarily,
but is absolutely settled.
Science rarely provides immutable answers about anything.
We thought we understood the atom. Now there are quarks and
sub-atomic particles.
So we have to, I think, be open and inclusive to all points
of view. I think science is the loser when we tend to vilify
and marginalize other voices. I think we have to have everyone
at the table talking about these things and let the science
take us where it takes us and that's certainly how I've run my
whole career.
Senator Cruz. And are you familiar with the empirical data
from satellite measurements that this committee, Subcommittee
on Science and Space, has heard testimony on that from the
satellite measurements show no statistically significant
warming over the past 18 years?
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, I'm familiar with some of the
studies. I don't study climate personally but I'm aware of
those studies, yes.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Dr. Droegemeier. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cruz.
Senator Lee.
STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE LEE,
U.S. SENATOR FROM UTAH
Senator Lee. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks to each of you
for being here.
I'd like to start with you, Mr. Szabat. I want to talk to
you a little bit about supersonic flights. As you know, since
1973, the FAA has prohibited commercial supersonic flight over
land. There's been just a complete ban on this. Since then,
there have been a lot of technological developments, of course,
that might change that picture.
Do you support the idea of revisiting that ban so that the
U.S. could become a leader yet again in supersonic flight?
Mr. Szabat. Senator Lee, thank you for the question and for
talking about this important emerging or, in the case of
supersonic flight, re-emerging technology that we're looking at
as a possible way to advance the national air system that we
have in the United States.
So the short answer to your question is yes. The longer
answer is within the Department of Transportation, we always
want to relook at technologies as there are advances and as
there are different ways of looking at them to find and
integrate them into our aviation system.
Secretary Chao's Number 1 priority to do this is in a safe
way and if we can find a way to integrate it, we will. This is
primarily the responsibility of the Federal Aviation
Administration, but, Senator, if confirmed, I would work with
you, with your staff, with other interested parties to ensure
that your input and your concerns are addressed by the affected
offices within the Office of The Secretary as well as the
Federal Aviation Administration.
Senator Lee. I appreciate that, and as we address this
issue, I'd suggest that we have a look-back at 1973. 1973 was a
long time ago. It's the year my wife was born, so I shouldn't
refer to it as that long ago.
But in technological terms, 45 years ago might as well be a
millennium. I mean, we didn't dream of any of the devices that
we each now have within an arm's reach. The computing
processing power that each of us has in our own pocket at any
given moment outpaces anything in existence back then, and with
those technological developments, we've had other scientific
developments that have made it possible to revisit the all-out
ban on overland supersonic commercial flight.
And so I assume you would agree that at least a strong
argument can be made that the total ban I'm referring to has
outlived its usefulness and has outlived its relevance in our
modern technological age. Do you agree with that?
Mr. Szabat. Yes, Senator.
Senator Lee. OK. Thank you.
Mr. Droegemeier, I want to talk about spectrum for a
minute. We live in an exciting time. Exciting opportunities are
already here. They're getting even more exciting as we imagine
newer and more efficient uses of spectrum, Spectrum that could
improve the quality of life not only for hundreds of millions
of Americans but for billions of people throughout the globe,
from basic communication to sophisticated offerings, like tele-
medicine and like driver-assisted technology.
The development of our spectrum and our increased ability
to use it is becoming more and more important to more people.
It's going to save lives and it's going to improve the quality
of life for basically everyone.
Some have estimated that upwards of 60 percent of radio and
spectrum is set aside not eligible for auction for any kind of
commercial use, upwards of 60 percent, and that is
predominantly for government use. There are a few other uses
built into that 60-percent set-aside, but the overwhelming
majority of that is set aside for government use.
Would you agree that in order to reach our potential that
Congress and the Administration will need to make Federal
spectrum holdings more transparent and more efficient and
perhaps revisit the presumption that 60 percent of the spectrum
needs to be kept off limits?
Dr. Droegemeier. That's a very important question. I'm not
familiar with the 60-percent issue you raise, but in the work
that I've been involved with in terms of radars across the
country, the idea was to consolidate several different bands,
spectral bands of radars into a single system, so that other
Spectrum could be auctioned and made available.
So I'm familiar with the topic and the importance of it,
but I'd have to get read up on this particular issue. It does
sound like something extremely important because it addresses
the issue of commercial entities being able to use spectrum and
have it available to do things with and so on. So I'd love to
get back to you on that, but I certainly would work with you on
that. It sounds like it's something very important to work on
together.
Senator Lee. Thank you.
Dr. Droegemeier. So I would love to do that.
Senator Lee. I appreciate that, and I want to be clear, I
certainly understand the need for the government to retain----
Dr. Droegemeier. Right.
Senator Lee.--a portion of it. For military and other
government uses, there's absolutely a strong, even compelling
need for the government to have some spectrum and for that
spectrum not to be auctioned off for commercial use, but I will
note, generally speaking, what has been allocated for
commercial use is usually utilized far more efficiently. People
figure out how to make the most of it and when the majority of
it is never even allowed to enter into that sphere, I worry
that we're neither being transparent nor efficient in our
utilization of the government's set-aside spectrum. So I hope
you'll work with me on that.
Thank you very much. I see my time has expired, Mr.
Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Lee, and a very important
point and one that this Committee has a very sincere interest
in. We've got to make more spectrum commercially available.
There are going to be tremendous needs out there and demands
for it and particularly given the fact that, as we are in the
race to 5G, that's going to be an important component of
winning. So we've got to make sure that we're doing everything
we can and we hope that you will, in follow-up to your
discussions with Senator Lee, work with him and with this
Committee to try and figure out ways to make more of that.
Government sits on a lot of spectrum and it's not in some
cases efficiently utilized and we've got to do better. So thank
you for that, for your responses to that.
Mr. Morhard, NASA's one of the country's greatest resources
when it comes to inspiring young Americans to study STEM-
related fields.
What do you view NASA's role to be in inspiring the next
generation of STEM professionals?
Mr. Morhard. Senator, thank you for that question. I've
been looking at this, trying to get up to speed on it, and I
sat on the Senate Floor in the 1980s with Barry Goldwater and
Sam Nunn talking about the same issue. They weren't talking
about STEM but they were talking about the concern of the
growth in education outside of the United States and that we
weren't there and we were losing it and we're still talking
about it now.
The role of NASA is a core mission for NASA and, as you
know, in the appropriations process, the House has put in $90
million and the Senate has put in a 110 last year, this year's
budget's a hundred, and so we're going to--I expect we'll see
somewhere a level playing field, but the real question is, for
me, is the money being used for the best purposes of providing
that inspiration, and I think, if I'm confirmed, it's looking
at how it's being used.
I've seen hearsay evidence that it's much more effective in
middle school versus in colleges because people are already
making their decisions when they're getting to college and it's
really inspiring people, like my granddaughter, that they're at
that sweet spot.
I think that's--you know, if I'm answering your question
correctly, that's what I will try to focus on is are we using
it correctly?
Space grants are a consortium. Judd Gregg had me put
together a consortium for counterterrorism grants and I saw
over time consortiums take on a life of their own and they
begin to expect the money and I think that we still need to
provide funding but it has to be effectively used.
The Chairman. I absolutely don't disagree with that, and I
do think that figuring out, yes, how to do get to that next
generation of young people who might aspire to these fields are
really critical. We look forward to working with you and
obviously with Dr. Droegemeier and others in that endeavor
because I think it's an important one to have the workforce of
the future, those young people who hope and dream to be a part
of something that's greater than themselves and to serve those
higher purposes. I think this is certainly a field where that's
been true for previous generations of Americans and we want to
make sure it's available to those in the future.
Dr. Droegemeier, in AICA, we also directed OSTP and OMB to
establish an interagency working group to reduce administrative
and regulatory burdens of federally funded researchers to
maximize our basic research dollars.
How will you ensure that this ongoing effort continues and
is prioritized at OSTP?
Dr. Droegemeier. Thank you for that, Senator Thune, and
thank you for doing that.
When I was on the National Science Board, we wrote a report
on reducing administrative burden. Now the National Academies
has opined on that, as well, in a report.
It's got to be a great priority because it's wasteful. When
we talk about wasting taxpayers' money, this is a waste not
only of money, I believe, but also intellectual capacity and
wasting the talent of Americans in science to me is really a
horrible thing.
My colleague, I think she's sitting back there, Maria
Zuber, has opined on this, as well, that there is a lot of
money to be saved if we can reduce the administrative burden,
free up time. It will recapture a lot of the funding that is
now being spent on wasteful activities that really don't
enhance the research enterprise.
So were I to be confirmed for OSTP, this would be a high
priority. It's in the AICA Bill, as you say, and it's also
something that is in the gun sights of OSTP with the
interagency working group that you mentioned. So OSTP is
definitely working on it but we've got to see it over the
finish line. We're not there yet.
The Chairman. OK. We hope you will. I think we've kind of
exhausted obviously the members' questions. We appreciate your
responses.
I will ask unanimous consent to include in the record an
introductory letter for Mr. Jim Morhard from Senator Patrick
Leahy and letters for Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier from the EPSCoR/
IDeA Coalition and Foundation, Association of American
Publishers, American Psychological Association, American
Association for Cancer Research, Association for American
Medical Colleges, Council of Graduate Schools, Consortium for
Ocean Leadership, IEEE-USA, a letter from retired Chairman and
CEO of Lockheed-Martin Corporation, Norman Augustine, and
former Director of the National Science Foundation and White
House Office of Science and Technology, Neal Lane, EPIC, and
Research America. So you're obviously very well supported out
there.
So we'll ask that those be included as a part of the record
without objection.
[The information referred to follows:]
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chairman. And then I would just say to our nominees
that we hope to at our next markup process your nominations and
I would ask that as quick as you can, as we get questions for
the record from members of the Committee, that you respond as
quickly and ask you to return those, if you can, and I know
this is going to be asking a lot, but we're going to try and
just keep the record open until tomorrow, and if our Senators
can get those questions for the record to you, as soon as you
receive them, submit your written answers so that we can move
forward, and we're going to ask you to try and get those back
to us by Monday of next week. I know that's a compressed
timeframe, but it is possible that if we are here next week and
it looks like we will be, we might be able to schedule a markup
and keep this process moving forward. So we want to do that as
quickly as we can and so we would appreciate your timely
response.
With that, again, thank you to you and to your families for
your willingness to serve and to sacrifice on behalf of our
great nation. Many of you have in the past, but we appreciate
your continued service and look forward to getting you
installed in these important positions where you can make a
difference for the betterment of our country.
Thank you. This hearing is adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 12:05 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. John Thune to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question. The President's Council of Advisors on Science and
Technology (PCAST), a group of outside experts created by President
George H. W. Bush and reestablished under all subsequent
Administrations, has traditionally advised the President, the OSTP
Director, and the National Science and Technology Council on science,
technology, and innovation policy matters. PCAST's charter expired in
September 2017 and the panel has not been reconvened. Do you believe
PCAST performs an important function in advising both the President and
the OSTP Director on matters of science and technology policy, and if
so, would you seek to reestablish and re-charter PCAST once you are
confirmed to your new role?
Answer. Yes, PCAST is an essential advising body. On September 29,
2017, President Trump renewed Executive Order 13539, as amended by
13596, which continued PCAST. If confirmed as OSTP Director, one of my
top priorities will be to re-charter PCAST and begin inviting experts
to serve on the council. My initial focus for PCAST would be to choose
diverse members with impeccable scientific credentials and a balance
across disciplines including industry experience. I would focus their
initial work on topics of critical need for the Nation, with high
likelihood for significant short-term impact.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Jim Inhofe to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question. Dr. Droegemeier, your record of working on public-private
partnerships shows an appreciation for the benefits of a cooperative
and consultative relationship between government agencies and the
private sector. Particularly for an office that works at the
intersection of science, technology, business, and law, do you agree
that robust stakeholder involvement is essential to the decision-making
process?''
Answer. Yes, I agree that robust stakeholder involvement is
essential to the planning and decision-making processes. If confirmed,
I will seek to ensure that OSTP engages key stakeholders, to include
those across the Federal government, Congress, academia, industry,
nonprofits, and international partners. I will leverage my past
experience in assembling multi-faceted groups and continue my work with
public-private partnerships to ensure that sound science and robust
stakeholder involvement are considered in the planning and decision-
making processes to benefit the American people.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Todd Young to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question 1. Dr. Droegemeier, artificial intelligence has the
ability to double our economy's annual economic growth rates by 2035
and boost labor productivity by up to 40 percent. However, it doesn't
come with some downsides. That is why I have partnered with Senator
Cantwell to develop a Federal advisory committee to study and prepare
for the development of AI.
Answer. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical technology for
the future of our Nation. I strongly believe that we should not cede
America's leadership in AI to other countries. As this technology
advances and becomes more powerful and ubiquitous, we must ensure that
American values are central to its development and deployment. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress to ensure that
national AI policy reflects the perspective of multiple stakeholders.
Question 2. Do you support a whole-of-government approach to
developing a national strategy to lead in the development of AI?
Answer. Yes. I am very pleased that the Administration specifically
identified machine learning and artificial intelligence as a national
research and development (R&D) priority in the OMB-OSTP R&D Priorities
Memo, included AI as a specific budget priority, and addressed AI's
importance in the President's National Security Strategy and National
Defense Strategy.
I understand that the National Science and Technology Council
(NSTC)--the Cabinet-level Council that is the principal means within
the Executive Branch to coordinate science and technology policy across
the diverse entities that make up the Federal research and development
enterprise, which is Chaired by the President--has several bodies
dedicated to artificial intelligence, made up of key stakeholders from
across the government. The Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence
is comprised of high-level R&D officials to advise White House senior
officials on interagency AI priorities and to leverage Federal data and
computation resources; the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Subcommittee implements the Select Committee's initiatives; and the AI
R&D interagency working group under the Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program serves as a
community of practice for highly technical AI R&D.
If confirmed, I will ensure that the Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP) remains focused on AI, which is critical for
American national and economic security, and will engage stakeholders,
including Congress, to ensure that these important perspectives are
considered as we work on coordinated Federal AI policy.
Question 3. Would you support legislation like the Future of AI
Act, which establishes a Federal advisory committee to study and
prepare for AI's continued use in our society?
Answer. I appreciate your and the Committee's leadership on this
critically important issue, and if confirmed I look forward to
collaborating closely with you on AI related issues. We must ensure
that the Nation is optimally prepared to drive critical advances in
artificial intelligence, and to make sure those advances can be
transformed, free from undue barriers, from the lab into the market.
AI is critical to the long term economic and national security of
the Nation, and public trust in AI is crucial to safeguarding America's
global leadership in this critical frontier. Given the potentially
transformative power of this technology, we must work to ensure that
American values and America's respect for individual rights and
freedoms are integral to global AI development.
Our Federal agencies are working on studying the integration of AI
into our society. The National Science Foundation, for example, funds
basic research into machine learning and algorithmic bias to help
future AI designers build security, trust, and safety into their
systems. DARPA has created ``The Explainable AI program'' which aims to
develop new machine learning systems that can explain their rationale,
score the strengths and weaknesses of the information being used, and
provide some insight into future decision making. OSTP can help by
making trustworthiness and the reduction of algorithmic bias priorities
for all agencies conducting AI research or utilizing AI systems.
OSTP not only convenes the Federal scientific workforce, but
outside stakeholders and those representing consumers and the general
public. The office began engaging with experts from private industry
and academia at its ``White House Artificial Intelligence for American
Industry'' summit in May 2018. As we address these questions of
American leadership and American values within the development of a
technology like AI, it is crucial that we as policymakers prioritize
stakeholder engagement throughout the process. If confirmed, I will
continue and expand the work OSTP has done to bring in external views
and perspectives on AI.
Question 4. Would you commit to working with my office as we
develop and push the government to create a whole-of-government
approach to developing a national strategy on AI?
Answer. Yes. As discussed in Question 2, if confirmed, I look
forward to engaging with Congress, and will work with your office to
ensure that your perspectives are considered, and that all relevant
Federal agencies are coordinated as we work on AI policy.
Question 5. Dr. Droegemeier, you have spoken of the need for
integrated funding across all sciences--and more from the onset of
projects. Can you speak to your work in Oklahoma and how developing
these integrated approach at the onset of projects has improved your
results?
Answer. In Oklahoma, I have taken a ``portfolio'' approach to
prioritizing research areas at my institution and within the State of
Oklahoma and believe the same concept would be fruitful if applied
across the Federal government. Specifically, the portfolio approach
begins by identifying areas of capability, capacity, and
competitiveness based upon existing resources (e.g., personnel,
knowledge, infrastructure, funding). It then takes an integrative view
as to how these resources--which often exist in relatively isolated
``stove pipes'' across fields of study and organizations--can most
effectively be assembled to provide powerful new capabilities in
tackling America's most important challenges. In this manner,
inefficiencies and redundancy are reduced, synergy is maximized, and
the taxpayer benefits via lower costs. In Oklahoma, the portfolio
approach has helped us develop collaborations and leverage resources in
ways that have allowed us to tackle problems we otherwise would not
have been able to approach, and do so with fewer resources.
Question 6. Dr. Droegemeier, one of the areas that OSTP has
previously identified as vital to advancing the national security and
economic prosperity of the United States is quantum information
science. In fact, the recently released the FY 2020 Administration
Research and Development Budget Priorities document highlights the need
for continued Federal investments in this area. If appointed as the
OSTP director, how do you envision strengthening the Federal
government's partnership role with higher education institutions across
the country as well as the private sector to advance this quantum
science agenda?
Answer. Quantum computing is another emerging technology that is
critical to our national interests. There are so many different
elements that go into the Quantum Information Science (QIS) ecosystem
that the Federal government cannot shoulder the burden of ensuring
American QIS leadership alone. We must engage with academia and
research institutions as well as the private sector to ensure that we
are working towards a common goal, and maximizing the value of every
dollar spent on QIS R&D.
Earlier this year OSTP established the NSTC Quantum Information
Science (QIS) Subcommittee to convene all relevant Federal
stakeholders, enabling them to invest effectively in QIS, coordinate
R&D, and share information, expertise, and best practices for program
management. Leaders from across the Federal government have voiced
their support for this critical initiative. We must build on that which
makes the American R&D ecosystem so great--a strong partnership among
the Federal government, industry, and academia. If confirmed, I will
seek to ensure that QIS basic and lab-to-market research funding is
prioritized, which will help to drive innovation in academia and
industry. I support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
education initiatives to help grow the quantum workforce of tomorrow,
and I will ensure that OSTP brings the leading voices within industry
and academia to the table to inform QIS national policy. I envision
leveraging the resources of the QIS Subcommittee and relevant advisory
bodies and working closely with academia on behalf of the
Administration and the interagency to pursue these goals.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Bill Nelson to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question 1. In multiple bills, OSTP is directed to consult with a
variety of stakeholders when determining science policy and priorities.
These include the public, institutions of higher education, scientific
and professional societies, industry, including small businesses,
nonprofit and for-profit publishers, libraries, federally funded and
non-federally funded research scientists, federally funded research and
development centers, national laboratories, non-governmental
organizations and representatives from diverse manufacturing companies,
academia and other relevant organizations and institutions. Do you
commit to consult with these stakeholders on policies with the
potential to impact the research community or the individual
stakeholder's operations or areas of expertise? Are there other
stakeholders that you believe are central to the U.S. research
enterprise and therefore relevant to OSTP?
Answer. Diverse stakeholder engagement is absolutely critical to
the policy making process and if confirmed, I will emphasize this
priority to inform OSTP's position on national policies. In addition to
the stakeholders listed above, Congress is a key stakeholder informing
science and technological policy, and I am committed to working with
other key stakeholders as they are identified.
Question 2. Do you agree with the findings articulated in the
Fourth National Climate Assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research
Program, which was compiled by Federal science agencies, and
specifically that the period over the last 115 years is ``now the
warmest in the history of modern civilization,'' and that ``human
activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases, are the dominant
cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century?''
Answer. The Fourth National Climate Assessment is a heavily
reviewed scientific publication that is still in draft form. I agree
that the world's climate is changing and that human activity plays a
significant role in climate change in addition to natural variability.
Question 3. How do you plan to work with the Federal science
agencies, other EOP offices and Congress to ensure that many scientific
disciplines are supported, particularly in light of recent efforts by
some in Congress to encourage agencies to shift resources to fund
specific disciplines?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Congress throughout the
budget process to ensure alignment and prioritization of America's
science and technological goals. In addition, I will also help to
coordinate funded efforts across the interagency to make sure programs
are complimentary across similar areas.
In Oklahoma, I have taken a ``portfolio'' approach to prioritizing
research areas at my institution and within the State of Oklahoma and
believe the same concept would be fruitful if applied across the
Federal Government. Specifically, the portfolio approach begins by
identifying areas of capability, capacity, and competitiveness based
upon existing resources (e.g., personnel, knowledge, infrastructure,
funding). It then takes an integrative view as to how these resources--
which often exist in relatively isolated ``stove pipes'' across fields
of study and organizations--can most effectively be assembled to
provide powerful new capabilities in tackling America's most important
challenges. In this manner, inefficiencies and redundancy are reduced,
synergy is maximized, and the taxpayer benefits via lower costs.
Question 4. In trying to describe that the planet is resilient in
2014, you said that the oil from Deepwater Horizon ``is gone--and
there's no catastrophe.'' While I understand your point--that Mother
Nature can bounce back--given the role you will have guiding science
policy for the Federal Government, it is important that your statements
on the impacts of catastrophic events be precise. While you are correct
to point out that some of the oil was ingested by microbes, there were
major impacts to fishing, tourism and the livelihoods of residents, and
some of the oil was ingested by fish and has spread through the food
web with consequences that we have yet to fully understand. Can you
please clarify your comments?
Answer. The Deepwater Horizon explosion was a terrible event that
had a devastating impact on the local communities and natural
environments along the Gulf of Mexico, and resulted in the tragic
deaths of 11 workers on the offshore drilling rig. To best address such
events in a measured and thoughtful way, we must use objective
information based on scientific data and what we know about likely
consequences. And we must be ready to be surprised when nature reacts
in ways that we were not expecting.
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify those remarks from 2014,
as it was incorrect for me to assert that the oil ``is gone.''
Certainly some remains, and as you rightly note, the spill had terrible
and significant consequences to many areas of the economy, and to many
individuals who relied on the natural environment of the Gulf coast for
their livelihood. In phrasing my comments the way I did, I threw away
nuance in favor of a sweeping generalization.
I am in complete agreement that as scientists we must strive to be
as precise and complete as possible in any given situation. This goes
doubly for those in a position of public trust, whose words can have
such an impact on how policies are shaped and applied.
If confirmed as OSTP Director I will work hard to ensure that the
best scientific information available is brought to bear to inform,
improve, and guide the Federal Government's work, particularly in
disaster response efforts.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question 1. Dr. Droegemeier, the 2nd Volume of the 4th National
Climate Assessment is due in December. Will you ensure that it will be
delivered to the President and acted on?
Answer. I understand that the NCA4 is well underway and if
confirmed as OSTP Director I will work with the U.S. Global Change
Research Program (USGCRP), the National Coordination Office responsible
for coordinating Federal environmental research, to continue meeting
the development milestones necessary to deliver this important product
to Congress and the President, as well as ensure it receives
appropriate consideration.
Question 2. As you know, this administration disbanded the Federal
advisory committee charged with strengthening the National Climate
Assessment. The committee has been revived in the State of New York and
will offer recommendations in its report to be issued this coming year.
Are you prepared to accept these recommendations and would you work to
reinstate the Committee so it can ensure the 5th National Climate
Assessment meets the needs of decision makers and the public?
Answer. I have not been briefed on the specific details of the
Committee referenced here but if confirmed, I look forward to receiving
the recommendations from New York. Stakeholder engagement is critically
important, particularly regarding reports with the potential to have
significant impact on future policy making.
I am committed to ensuring that the National Climate Assessment
(NCA) meets the needs of decision makers and the public, and if
confirmed I will work with key stakeholders to determine the best
course of action for accomplishing that objective.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question 1. What specific actions are you going to take in your
first 100 days at OSTP?
Answer. If confirmed, I will move swiftly to ensure that OSTP is
structured to provide the best scientific advice available to all
levels of the decision-making process in this Administration, and I
will also begin to work on the priorities that I laid out in my
confirmation hearing, including a coordinated and comprehensive
research and development (R&D) portfolio of Federal science and
technology (S&T) initiatives across the whole of government; an
educational and skills-development framework capable of producing
wonderful job opportunities for all Americans, ready to fulfill the
jobs of tomorrow; and new models of public-private-academic
partnerships to bring new technologies to market and to put scientific
breakthroughs to work on behalf of the American people more quickly and
efficiently.
To ensure that OSTP is structured for success, one of my first
actions will be to meet with other White House components, as well as
Cabinet Department science and technology officials. I will work with
colleagues on the National Security Council to ensure that the best
scientific information is used in shaping our response and recovery
efforts for natural disasters.
I also plan to reinvigorate the President's Council of Advisor's on
Science and Technology (PCAST), which President Trump renewed on
September 29, 2017. PCAST would spearhead strategies to rapidly
progress on issues and advise the President and senior White House
staff on matters of utmost importance to our Nation.
I will also assess the staffing at OSTP and consider new personnel,
including reviewing potential candidates for Associate Directorship
positions. I will inform communities about the importance of science
and technology in the Trump Administration, helping bring a spotlight
to critical science and technology initiatives coming out of the White
House.
I will engage with interagency groups, particularly through the
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)--the Cabinet-level
Council that is the principal means within the Executive Branch to
coordinate science and technology policy across the diverse entities
that make up the Federal research and development enterprise, which is
Chaired by the President--and begin a plan to build the foundation for
conversations regarding a multi-year planning effort for science and
technology priorities, and start to plan how to identify sustained
priorities.
Beyond the high level priorities outlined above, in my opening
statement and testimony I also referred to several specific issues that
I would like OSTP to address, including reducing and eliminating
wasteful administrative burdens faced by our research community;
bringing increased predictability to scientific R&D budgets for longer
horizon projects that can otherwise suffer under annual budget churn;
ensuring that our institutions are safe and free from harassment for
all researchers; and advancing critical areas of science and technology
including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Question 2. Will you commit to maintaining a culture at OSTP that
does not compromise the integrity of rigorously researched or tested
scientific findings?
Answer. Yes, scientific integrity must be central to OSTP's role of
providing the best, most unbiased scientific advice to the President
and White House senior staff. I am firmly committed to this goal and
will use appropriate resources to ensure it remains a core
characteristic of OSTP.
Question 3. How will you ensure that everyone at OSTP will maintain
the highest standards of scientific integrity?
Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to support policies to ensure
that OSTP staff adhere to the best practices of scientific integrity,
ensure science is conducted free from political interference, and
provide unbiased scientific results to senior leaders for effective
decision-making. While OSTP staff do not conduct science research and
development, the office is responsible for convening interagency groups
and reporting science findings. I will support agency policies that
require the highest standards of scientific integrity.
Question 4. Ninety seven percent of scientists with articles in
peer-reviewed journals have concluded that climate change is real, is
caused by human activity, and is already causing devastating problems
in our country and around the world. Do you agree with this statement?
What is your view on the administration's overall science and
technology budget levels?
Answer. Indeed, the world's climate is changing and human activity
plays a significant role in climate change in addition to natural
variability. My view of the Administration's overall science and
technology budget levels is that, as stewards of the taxpayer dollars,
Federal agencies must find efficiencies, harness Federal innovations
and move them from lab to market, use collaborative approaches with
stakeholders, reduce regulatory burdens to enable American S&T
innovations to flourish in the marketplace of ideas, and enhance
public-private partnerships to address effectively the Nation's most
critical science and technology needs. I am committed to prioritizing
the most important investments and reducing administrative burdens,
while maintaining proper safeguards, in order to maximize the research
dollars utilized in our Federal science and technology enterprise.
Question 5. What is your plan to work across the agencies to
harness science, technology, and innovation to solve important national
and global problems? What specific actions are you going to take to
work with all the Federal science agencies?
Answer. In Oklahoma, I have taken a ``portfolio'' approach to
prioritizing research areas at my institution and within the State of
Oklahoma and believe the same concept would be fruitful if applied
across the Federal Government. Specifically, the portfolio approach
begins by identifying areas of capability, capacity, and
competitiveness based upon existing resources (e.g., personnel,
knowledge, infrastructure, funding). It then takes an integrative view
as to how these resources--which often exist in relatively isolated
``stove pipes'' across fields of study and organizations--can most
effectively be assembled to provide powerful new capabilities in
tackling America's most important challenges. In this manner,
inefficiencies and redundancy are reduced, synergy is maximized, and
the taxpayer benefits via lower costs.
If confirmed as OSTP Director, I will work across agencies to
harness science, technology, and innovation to solve important national
and global challenges through both the National Science and Technology
Council (NSTC) and other interagency S&T policy development and
coordination bodies.
Specifically, I will work with the OSTP NSTC Executive Director to
continue streamlining the NSTC, ensuring it is populated by empowered
agency decision-makers, and focusing the NSTC's products on clear
national goals for Federal science and technology investments. If
confirmed, I plan to utilize PCAST and the National Science Board as
independent bodies to advise the President and Congress.
Question 6. What is your plan to engage the national labs across
the country in advancing basic and applied science?
Answer. America is blessed with an exceptional ecosystem of
National Labs, which play an integral role in the Nation's science and
technology enterprise. The Labs' basic and applied science are of
unparalleled quality and envied throughout the world. If confirmed, I
will work with DOE, NOAA, and all National Labs to ensure that
multidisciplinary issues are addressed to better translate research and
development from the lab to the outside world. I will meet with Lab
directors and consider convening a government-wide Lab director summit
to discuss cross-cutting challenges.
Question 7. What is your plan to address and improve Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education?
Answer. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
education is essential to the success of our Nation and I recognize the
importance of STEM Education in today's workforce. If confirmed, I
intend to work with leaders from across the Federal STEM education
enterprise, including the Committee on STEM Education within the
National Science and Technology Council, and with stakeholders across
the Nation to ensure that Federal plans and programs are consistent,
coordinated, and effectively implemented to strengthen STEM education
throughout the United States. I will seek to broaden the participation
of underrepresented groups, enhance minority engagement, and improve
access to future opportunities that come with a STEM-enabled workforce.
OSTP has already taken great steps in furthering the successes of
STEM Education including through OSTP's State-Federal STEM Education
Summit, held in June 2018. This event included attendees from all 50
states and multiple U.S. territories, and was used to gather input to
inform the development of the upcoming Federal 5-Year STEM Education
Strategic Plan. If confirmed, I will prioritize OSTP's delivery of this
plan by the end of the year, and will then work with the interagency to
deliver the actions laid out in the plan.
Question 8. What is your plan to strengthen America's STEM
workforce, and what specific actions are you going to take to address
this?
Answer. Current and future workers need access to high quality,
affordable education and training that will equip them for today's
unfilled jobs and the careers of the future. The Trump Administration
has consistently prioritized increasing access to and the effectiveness
of apprenticeship and job training programs to better prepare the
future workforce. In July, the Administration established the
President's National Council for the American Worker to help Americans
rapidly and effectively develop new skills--often technology-focused--
needed to succeed in the jobs of today and of the future. OSTP's
Director sits on that council and if confirmed I would be honored to
participate in this critically important initiative. I will seek to
ensure that STEM education remains a priority in K-12 through
university levels, and that as we create workforce development
policies, we prioritize access to training for the kinds of jobs that
will help maintain the United States' global leadership.
If confirmed as OSTP's Director, I will also support ongoing OSTP
initiatives that aim to cultivate a strong, inclusive, and tightly
connected STEM education ecosystem in America. Our economy thrives when
all Americans are prepared to engage with the emerging industries of
the future, so diversity at all levels of the STEM education spectrum
is important.
Question 9. How are you going to engage agency leaders and
scientists in addressing OSTP's grand challenges?
Answer. OSTP leads interagency science and technology coordination.
Among other interagency-related duties, the office oversees the
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), a Cabinet-level Council
that is the principal means within the Executive Branch to coordinate
science and technology policy across the Federal Government. If
confirmed, I will work with agency leaders, both directly and through
the NSTC, to address the important challenges facing America's science
and technology enterprise. I will also utilize PCAST and collaborate
with the National Academies to better engage scientists.
Question 10. What is your view on the administration's overall
science, technology, research and development budget levels?
Answer. As Vice President for Research at Oklahoma University, the
need to prioritize programs in light of budgetary realities was
constant. The Federal Government must utilize taxpayer dollars as
effectively and as efficiently as possible--and investments in science
and technology are no exception.
Understanding this, policy makers should focus on creating the
right conditions for our national science and technology enterprise to
thrive, even when budgets tighten. Our agencies must step back and plan
strategically and for the long term to achieve our national goals. I
will work with OMB on prioritizing the most important investments and
reducing administrative burdens, while maintaining safety protocols, in
order to maximize Federal spending on research and development.
Question 11. How are you going to communicate the importance of
objective scientific facts to the President?
Answer. If confirmed as OSTP's Director, it will be my duty and
privilege to present objective and unbiased scientific advice to the
President and other senior White House staff. OSTP provides objective
science to the President and his senior advisors personally during
meetings and policy discussions; through the NSTC; through the advice
of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology;
through scientific reports that are shared with others in the Executive
Branch and with the public; and through scientific information OSTP's
staff share in internal Executive branch policy processes, including
every level of the National Security Council NSPM-4 process and the
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
Question 12. How will you promote the development of good science
and technology to the President?
Answer. If confirmed as OSTP Director, I will promote the
development of good science and technology to the President using the
methods described in my answer to Question 11. OSTP will provide the
President and his senior staff with unbiased advice on the scientific,
engineering, and technological aspects of the economy, national
security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the
environment, and the technological recovery and use of resources, among
other topics. OSTP will continue to lead interagency science and
technology policy coordination efforts, assist the Office of Management
and Budget with an annual review and analysis of Federal research and
development in budgets, and serve as a source of scientific and
technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to
major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government.
Question 13. Given that artificial intelligence (AI) produces a new
set of risks regarding bias and ethics, how do you plan on working with
the stakeholders, interested groups, and the private and public sector
to address these risks?
Answer. AI is critical to the long term economic and national
security of the Nation, and public trust in AI is crucial to
safeguarding America's global leadership in this critical frontier.
Given the potentially transformative power of this technology, we must
work to ensure that American values and America's respect for
individual rights and freedoms are integral to global AI development.
Our Federal agencies are looking into this issue. The National
Science Foundation, for example, funds basic research into machine
learning and algorithmic bias to help future AI designers build
security, trust, and safety into their systems. DARPA has created ``The
Explainable AI program'' which aims to develop new machine learning
systems that can explain their rationale, score the strengths and
weaknesses of the information being used, and provide some insight into
future decision making. OSTP can help by making trustworthiness and the
reduction of algorithmic bias priorities for all agencies conducting AI
research or utilizing AI systems.
OSTP not only convenes the Federal scientific workforce, but
outside stakeholders and those representing consumers and the general
public. The office began engaging with experts from private industry
and academia at its ``White House Artificial Intelligence for American
Industry'' summit in May 2018. The office can build upon those efforts
and seek a wider spectrum of perspectives from additional stakeholders
as OSTP continues to prioritize this important field.
If confirmed, I will work with Congress as well as a diverse set of
stakeholders, academic leaders, public interest groups, PCAST, and the
private and public sector to address these risks, and build public
trust and confidence.
Question 14. In a recent Commerce Committee hearing regarding
Global Internet Governance, the former Secretary of Homeland Security,
Michael Chertoff, stated that AI introduces a new set of national
security risks from countries like China. How do you plan to work with
the State Department, the Department of Defense, and other relevant
stakeholders to ensure that these risks are adequately addressed?
Answer. This is a critically important area for America's future.
We must understand the risks that countries like China pose as a threat
to American AI leadership, and the specific actions that most directly
challenge our status. China has outlined its strategic objective and
investments to dominate the future of this technology. We must not
ignore a long history of intellectual property theft from our
technology industry, nor must we ignore the threat posed by foreign
researchers working on highly sensitive projects.
If confirmed, I will partner with the National Security Council,
which includes senior level decision makers from the State Department,
the Department of Defense, and other relevant stakeholders, to convene
stakeholders and develop national policy to address these and other
risks inherent to global AI competition. I will participate in the
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which
increasingly must deal with science and technological issues associated
with foreign companies attempting to acquire U.S. technologies.
Additionally, I will request that PCAST provide input into maintaining
and securing America's preeminence in AI leadership.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Space Weather. Scientists are just beginning to understand the
interactions between our sun and the Earth. Given the growing national
importance and reliance on technology, it is critical that we expand
this understanding so we can improve forecasting and mitigate the
effects of space weather events. That is why I worked with Senator
Gardner to develop and the Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act.
Our bill calls for the Director of OSTP to 1, coordinate the
development and implementation of Federal Government activities to
improve the Nation's ability to prepare, avoid, mitigate, respond to,
and recover from potentially devastating impacts of space weather
events, and 2, coordinate activities of a space weather interagency
working group that will leverage capabilities across participating
Federal agencies to understand and respond to the adverse effects of
space weather.
Question 1. Is this an appropriate role for OSTP in the area of
space weather?
Answer. Thank you for the important question, I very much
appreciate your bipartisan leadership in the effort to advance
America's space weather programs. Generally speaking, this seems like
an appropriate role for the OSTP Director, being mindful that he or she
is enhancing and not duplicating any of the duties and responsibilities
best addressed by experts at agencies such as FEMA, NASA, or NOAA
(among others) for disaster planning, mitigation, and response.
I chaired the review of a National Science Foundation science and
technology center on space weather at Boston University several years
ago. The threat from space weather is real and potentially very
significant. So many of the technological and communications systems in
orbit that we depend on are vulnerable to the effects of space weather,
and we must be prepared to try and reduce the impact of a potentially
catastrophic event.
OSTP plays an important role in coordinating many of the Federal
Government's efforts in this area, including the work of the Space
Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation Subcommittee of the
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)--the Cabinet-level
Council that is the principal means within the Executive Branch to
coordinate science and technology policy across the diverse entities
that make up the Federal research and development enterprise, which is
Chaired by the President. Continued research and development (R&D) is
required to enhance forecasts, understand vulnerabilities, and improve
resilience. In addition, robust coordination is critical to responding
appropriately when space weather events occur. If confirmed, I look
forward to working with the Committee, others in Congress, and
leadership in Federal agencies to continue to ensure that all aspects
of this challenge are properly addressed.
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences. Science and technology
alone cannot solve all of our problems--there is a human component
needed as well. For example, I don't think we know how pedestrians will
interact with traffic when they know the cars are driven autonomously,
not by humans. These are social and behavioral issues. We need a strong
program for basic research in these areas at the National Science
Foundation, and we also need applied research in these areas at several
agencies to help address the specific challenges we will have as humans
interact with more and more technology.
Question 2. What role can OSTP play in this area?
Answer. I agree that this is a very important topic and we need to
do more to understand the implications of the human uptake and the
social use of emerging technologies. Technology is developing rapidly,
often outpacing society's ability to adapt. We do not want to slow the
pace of discovery and the acceleration of innovation, but we must get
better at understanding and evaluating the social and behavioral
impacts of emerging technologies. If confirmed I will work through
OSTP's established processes to determine the best way forward in this
crucial area.
I have a particularly strong and longstanding interest in
integrating the social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBES) into
research involving physical science, technology, and engineering. I
have testified on this topic, co-led a National Science Board task
force on hurricane science and engineering that took an integrative
approach to hurricanes that included SBES, and led the creation of the
Alliance for Integrative Approaches to Extreme Environmental Events,
which was funded by a $3M private gift to integrate SBES into how the
Nation responds to extreme events (see http://alliance.ou.edu).
Social and behavioral sciences are critical to addressing this
challenge, and the Federal Government already has initiatives underway
to address it. One such initiative is the NSF effort on ``Cyberlearning
for Work at the Human-Technology Frontier.'' Applied research will also
play a key role in building on the results of basic research, such as
DARPA's ``Explainable Artificial Intelligence'' initiative, helping to
directly inform advancements in AI. OSTP plays a key role in this
spectrum of activities, from partnering with OMB to prioritize
investments in these fields of R&D, to serving as a co-lead on the Lab
to Market Cross Agency Priority Goal as part of the President's
Management Agenda to ensure that these advancements benefit the
American people. If confirmed, I will ensure that OSTP plays a key role
in driving research into the social behavioral aspects which compliment
these technological advancements.
Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence is starting to
have a significant impact on people's lives, and that influence is
likely to grow exponentially in the coming years. Many areas of the
Federal Government are looking at how AI can improve their services and
processes. However, the public may not yet trust these technologies,
and we want people to be assured that they are being treated fairly and
compassionately when they're interacting with the government. OSTP is
the lead agency for the Administration's work on AI, so you will likely
be able to make impact in this area.
Question 3. In your opinion, what can be done to improve the
transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI, especially in
government applications, to build the public trust and confidence?
Answer. AI is critical to the economic and national security of the
Nation and public trust in Federal AI--through demonstrated
transparency, accountability, and fairness to the public--is required
to ensure America remains the global leader in this technology. I
support efforts to ensure that transparency, accountability, and
fairness are prioritized in Federal applications of AI, as well as
efforts that encourage private sector applications to consider these
principles. Research into developing AI that is explainable and
predictable without compromising trade secrets or the security of the
underlying algorithms is incredibly important for the future of this
technology.
Our Federal agencies are looking into this issue. The National
Science Foundation, for example, funds basic research into machine
learning and algorithmic bias to help future AI designers build
security, trust, and safety into their systems. DARPA has created ``The
Explainable AI program'' which aims to develop new machine learning
systems that can explain their rationale, score the strengths and
weaknesses of the information being used, and provide some insight into
future decision making. OSTP can help by making trustworthiness and the
reduction of algorithmic bias priorities for all agencies conducting AI
research or utilizing AI systems. If confirmed, I will work with you,
stakeholders, and the rest of the Federal Government to identify and
implement solutions to build public trust and confidence.
Question 3a. How do you propose engaging with the public to get
direct feedback about the challenges faced in this area?
Answer. Public outreach is essential in forming good government
policy. OSTP hosted the Artificial Intelligence for the American
Industry Summit on May 10, 2018, to hear from academic and industry
leaders in this space. As Director of OSTP, I would continue that work
in several ways. First, I would ensure that the members of the Select
Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Machine Learning and
Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee, both within the NSTC, are engaged
with the public as they carry out their work. I would encourage those
agency leaders to host public meetings and use the RFI process to hear
from the public. Additionally I will seek to ensure that OSTP's
leadership and policy leads are engaged with stakeholders and the
public during the policy making process.
Industry-University Collaboration. Here in the U.S., we are still
the leaders in research and higher education. But many countries are
now making significant investments in these areas, especially targeting
commercialization of research. I think it is imperative that we
continue to lead the world in this area and I think it makes sense to
look at where we can improve. One area that seems to have potential is
in industry-university collaborations, where you have a fair bit of
experience.
Question 4. What are the barriers in this area and what
improvements can we make to break through them?
Answer. It is critical that the U.S. continue to lead in research
and higher education, and the Federal Government must do a better job
of providing frameworks for translating research results into economic
prosperity and technology that secures our Nation. I am very pleased
that the Administration has already identified technology transfer as a
high priority in the President's Management Agenda, the OMB-OSTP
Research and Development Priorities Memo, and under the National
Science and Technology Council. In addition to traditional technology
transfer activities, the Federal Government can promote
commercialization of research through public-private partnerships
supported, in part, by targeted Federal funding and by helping make
innovations developed through Federal grants more attractive for
private investment.
I have spent the better part of my career focused on university-
industry interaction, beginning with my 1987 NSF Presidential Young
Investigator Award and later including major partnerships with Williams
Energy Marketing and Trading, American Airlines, and a nascent project
with Southwest Airlines to name a few.
As Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Technology, I created a
program, called ``Access for Success'' that brings universities and
private companies into collaborative relationships in 10 different
areas of mutual interest, including intellectual property and
technology commercialization. Yet a number of factors continue to
inhibit success in this arena, despite the good outcomes from Bayh-Dole
and the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Transfer Act. In particular,
certain rules within the IRS tax code inhibit the ability of
universities to set terms for intellectual property depending upon how
the facilities used to develop the innovation are funded.
Private companies often mistakenly see universities as having
interest only in basic research, and universities often have
unrealistic expectations about the potential value of technology they
develop. Although many studies have examined these and other issues,
change has been slow in coming and other countries, such as Canada, are
reaping the rewards of more effective systems. If confirmed, I look
forward to working closely with Undersecretary of Commerce and NIST
Director, Dr. Walter Copan--who shares my strong interest in this
subject--to increase the return on investment of the billions spent
annually by the Federal Government in research and development at
Federal labs, universities, and other research organizations.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Maggie Hassan to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Question. A major part of our Nation's infrastructure is the
critical scientific facilities located in our Nation's universities and
colleges, like the University of New Hampshire's flow physics facility.
These facilities can support our scientific understanding of mechanisms
and phenomena needed to develop new ways to solve problems, such as
renewable energy technologies. Please explain how, under your
leadership, OSTP would investigate and establish a plan for funding and
collaboration with scientific facilities in government, academia, and
industry?
Answer. State-of-the-art infrastructure is an extremely important
component to maintaining American leadership science and technology and
these assets must be developed, maintained, and made available in the
most efficient manner. Priority should be given to widely-shared
infrastructure and that improves capabilities across a range of
disciplines. OSTP has recently established a top-level body under the
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)--the Cabinet-level
Council that is the principal means within the Executive Branch to
coordinate science and technology policy across the diverse entities
that make up the Federal research and development enterprise, which is
Chaired by the President--the NSTC Committee on Science and Technology
(S&T) Enterprise that includes a subcommittee specifically focused on
research and development (R&D) infrastructure.
As Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Technology, I created a
program called ``Access for Success'' that brings universities and
private companies into collaborative relationships in 10 different
areas of mutual interest, including use of university facilities by the
private sector. This initiative, which I believe can be applied
nationally, was driven by three factors.
First, our extraordinary colleges and research universities have
exceptional facilities--established over many decades and worth
billions of dollars--that have been funded in large part by taxpayers.
Yet the amount of corporate R&D funding coming to universities has been
essentially flat, as a percentage, during the past four decades, during
which R&D funding by the private sector grew dramatically and now
accounts for two-thirds of total R&D funding in the Nation. This means
corporations are not leveraging university assets as they might.
Second, small and medium sized companies cannot afford expensive
physical facilities, but they can work collaboratively with
universities--which have such facilities--to develop new products and
services that will, in turn, create jobs.
And third, partnerships between universities and corporations yield
many benefits. To universities, these partnerships provide jobs and
internships for students, funding for R&D and facilities, guidance in
developing programs responsive to industry needs, and more. To
companies, these partnerships provide access to intellectual capital,
facilities for solving problems, a trained workforce, intellectual
property, data sets, and more.
If confirmed, I will work with stakeholders to ensure that the
Nation's R&D infrastructure, and the scientific and engineering
workforce it supports, remain preeminent, relevant, and ready to
address the Nation's economic and national security priorities.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Office of American Innovation. As I mentioned during your hearing,
in April myself and Senator Peters sent a letter to the White House
asking for clarification on some of the activities of the Office of
American Innovation, which is run by Jared Kushner. Four months later
we have heard no response at all. The Federal Government's role in
innovation is a big priority of mine, and we need to ensure that any
office in charge of this issue is being transparent, which frankly we
have serious concerns about with regards to this office.
Question 1. I know you are not going to be in charge of OAI, but
since OSTP works closely with them will you commit to working with my
office to get a response to our questions in that letter sent four
months ago?
Answer. If confirmed as OSTP Director, OSTP will commit to
accommodating authorized requests from Congress relating to official
OSTP activities.
Sexual Harassment in Science. The National Academy of Sciences
issued a report showing half of women in science experience sexual
harassment that take economic and emotional tolls on researchers,
stifling their scientific contributions, with LGBTQ and women of collar
more likely to be harassed.
Question 2. How are you going to address these concerns, improve
morale, and foster a more inviting scientific sector?
Answer. As I mentioned during the hearing, any form of sexual
harassment, delivered to any individual, is absolutely abhorrent and is
something I will never tolerate. Such as been my position my entire
career and also my clear position as a university senior research
officer. If confirmed, I will address the concerns you raised by making
clear my stance on the issue to the national community. Second, I will
leverage recommendations from the Academies' report, and other
resources--especially engagement with industries, Federal research
labs, and other government research environment--to identify specific,
actionable ways to assure harassment-free working conditions for all
researchers. Third, I will review NSF's Important Notice #144 regarding
sexual harassment and utilize interagency processes to see if it can be
part of a government-wide initiative in much the same manner as OSTP
did for topics such as open access and research integrity. (I led the
effort at my university to implement the Important Notice.) I am
pleased you share my passion for addressing this foundationally vital
issue and would be grateful to work in partnership with you on it.
Question 2a. Can I get your commitment to working on a legislative
effort with my office to help address these concerns?
Answer. Yes, I will be pleased to work with your office and
Congress to identify any actions which will help to address these
concerns on this very important issue.
Commercialization. One of the very exciting things happening in my
state is we have an emerging startup scene that is launching innovative
ideas and really transforming our economy. In both the north and south,
our universities and colleges play a major role in this, they're
working on programs that help students like UNLV's Troesh Center for
Entrepreneurship and Innovation and UNR's Ozmen Center. One of the most
important things we need to do in the modern economy is facilitate the
ability of students to take their research ideas from the University to
the marketplace, and in Nevada training these future entrepreneurs can
help ensure that investors feel the workforce there is ready to start
businesses that bring jobs and opportunity to our communities.
Question 3. Can you talk about if you see importance of this issue
and if so, what will you do if confirmed to help facilitate the
commercialization of research?
Answer. This is a very important issue. It is critical that the
U.S. continue to lead in research and higher education, and the Federal
Government must do a better job of facilitating the transfer of
research results into economic prosperity and technology that secures
our Nation. I am very pleased that the Administration has already
identified technology transfer as a high priority in the President's
Management Agenda, the OMB-OSTP research and development (R&D)
Priorities Memo, and under the National Science and Technology Council
(NSTC)--the Cabinet-level Council that is the principal means within
the Executive Branch to coordinate science and technology policy across
the diverse entities that make up the Federal research and development
enterprise, which is Chaired by the President. In addition to
traditional technology transfer activities, the Federal Government can
promote commercialization of research through public-private
partnerships supported, in part, by targeted Federal funding and by
helping make innovations developed through Federal grants more
attractive for private investment.
I have spent the better part of my career focused on university-
industry interaction, beginning with my 1987 NSF Presidential Young
Investigator Award and later including major partnerships with Williams
Energy Marketing and Trading, American Airlines, and a nascent project
with Southwest Airlines to name a few. As Oklahoma Secretary of Science
and Technology, I created a program called ``Access for Success'' that
brings universities and private companies into collaborative
relationships in 10 different areas of mutual interest, including
intellectual property and technology commercialization.
Yet a number of factors continue to inhibit success in this arena,
despite the good outcomes from Bayh-Dole and the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Transfer Act. In particular, certain rules within the IRS
tax code inhibit the ability of universities to set terms for
intellectual property depending upon how the facilities used to develop
the innovation are funded. Private companies often mistakenly see
universities as having interest only in basic research, and
universities often have unrealistic expectations about the potential
value of technology they develop. Although many studies have examined
these and other issues, change has been slow in coming and other
countries, such as Canada, are reaping the rewards of a more effective
system.
If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with Undersecretary
of Commerce and NIST Director, Dr. Walter Copan--who shares my strong
interest in this subject--to increase the return on investment of the
billions spent annually by the Federal Government in R&D at Federal
labs, universities, and other research organizations.
Question 3a. Will you work with my office to facilitate legislative
ideas to address some of these issues?
Answer. Yes, I hope I have been able to communicate my personal
commitment to this issue. If confirmed, I will be pleased to work with
your office and Congress to identify any actions which will help
accelerate the commercialization of scientific research. I am pleased
you understand the importance of this issue and would be grateful to
partner with you in addressing it.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jon Tester to
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Broadband's Role in Building the Nation's Technical-Trained
Workforce. Developing the next generation of well-trained technical
workers requires a nation-wide commitment and investment in
foundational resources. It is well understood that the Internet allows
students from diverse communities across the Nation to explore,
discover and learn. With the growing complexity of Internet content,
robust and reliable broadband is increasingly vital to educational
achievement and success.
Question 1. As OSTP Director, what are you prepared to do to expand
broadband access to students in rural communities like in Montana and
on Indian reservations so that they have equal opportunities to
contribute and participate in scientific breakthroughs and developing
future technological innovations?
Answer. Thank you for calling attention to this issue. Living in
Oklahoma, a rural state with numerous Native American tribes, I
understand firsthand the importance of connectivity for communities to
fully participate in the global economy.
Broadband enables all Americans to participate fully in our 21st
century digital society, particularly those in rural and tribal
communities. If confirmed, I will work across the Federal agencies that
are tasked with broadband deployment, including Department of Commerce
and USDA, and seek to ensure that Federal policies are conducive to
promoting private sector investment, and that we reduce unnecessary
regulatory burdens and barriers to entry wherever possible.
Additionally, it is critical to coordinate the various existing
sources of Federal subsidies and funding for broadband to ensure that
they are being used efficiently and effectively, and having the
greatest possible impact on broadband deployment. Finally, I will
continue the work that has begun to allow greater access to Federal
assets for private sector deployment, as was done in the January 2018
Presidential Memorandum that increased access to Department of
Interior's towers and infrastructure.
Public Access to Federal Scientific Data and Information. There are
disturbing reports that the Trump Administration has removed from
Federal agencies' websites scientific information and data which do not
align with Administration policy priorities. In addition to media
reports (e.g., Scientific American and Mother Jones), individual
organizations such as Columbia Law School's Silencing Science Tracker
and the Environment Data and Governance Initiative document individual
cases. Removing scientific data from Federal websites makes it harder
for policymakers at state, local and tribal levels and the public to
access scientific and related policy research that was funded by U.S.
tax dollars. Transparency is essential to instilling and sustaining
public trust.
Question 2. Do you agree that it is vital to our democracy that
U.S. citizens have access to federally-funded scientific information
and data?
Answer. I agree that it is very important that the public be able
to access and trust the science funded by the Federal Government and
that Federal research be conducted free from political influence. OSTP
issued memoranda on the issue of both scientific integrity and public
access to federally funded research in 2009 and 2013, respectively, and
if confirmed, I commit to supporting and carrying out their
requirements. Based on both of those memoranda, agencies were required
to develop and implement independent plans that were tailored to the
specific circumstances they faced. As of December 2016, with regard to
scientific integrity, 24 agencies had implemented policies pursuant to
the 2009 Memorandum. Similarly, all agencies subject to the Memorandum
on ``Increasing Access to Federally Funded Scientific Research'' had
authorized public access plans as of December 2016.
Question 2a. Will you commit that Federal agencies will not censor
or remove unclassified scientific information and data from their
websites?
Answer. Yes, it is critical that Americans have access to legally-
accessible, federally-funded scientific information and data. OSTP has
spearheaded this issue across the Federal Government and, if confirmed,
I would continue OSTP's commitment to making such research publicly
available.
Question 2b. Will you commit that OSTP will review allegations of
government censorship of scientific information data and/or politically
induced constraints on federal-supported scientists and engineers?
Answer. I am firmly committed to the principle that federally
funded scientific research be conducted free from political
interference. If confirmed, I also commit to carry out the
responsibilities established in the aforementioned OSTP memoranda and
to working with agencies across the Federal Government to assess 1)
whether such policies are effective; and 2) whether additional actions
are necessary to ensure that the important principles of scientific
integrity and public access are upheld.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Deb Fischer to
James W. Morhard
Question 1. The NASA EPSCoR program helps build valuable research
capacity in states like Nebraska, which ultimately supports NASA's
mission. If confirmed, will you support the NASA EPSCoR program?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. NASA programs such as the National Space Grant College
and Fellowship Program, or Space Grant, provide important opportunities
to connect students at Universities such as the University of Nebraska
with NASA centers and other resources. If confirmed, will you support
programs such as the Space Grant?
Answer. Yes.
Question 3. The Center for Advanced Surgical Technology at the
University of Nebraska has provided research to NASA through grants and
agreements for more than seven years. This research has provided NASA
important technology development in the areas of robotic and remote
surgical options for use in space, diagnostic tools, and surgical
training simulation. As NASA prepares for its future space missions,
this medical technology is vitally important to the health and welfare
of our astronauts. These medical technologies are important to ensure
that space missions are not cancelled in midflight due to a medical
situation. Do you favor continuing development of remote and robotic
medical technologies needed for space missions?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Jim Inhofe to
James W. Morhard
Question. Last year, President Trump reestablished the National
Space Council, to ensure all aspects of our Nation's space power--
national security, commerce, foreign relations, exploration, science--
are coordinated and aligned at the highest levels of government. What
role do you see for National Space Council in the development of
American space policy?
Answer. The main role of the National Space Council (NSpC) is to
monitor and coordinate implementation of the objectives of the
President's national space policy and strategy in order to foster close
coordination, cooperation, and technology and information exchange
among the civil, national security, and commercial space sectors. The
NSpC has and will continue to provide American space policies the high
level of attention that was previously lacking by providing strategic
goals like that of SPD-1. It will also play a role in helping to ensure
government agencies like NASA has the budgetary resources it needs to
implement strategic space policies. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with the Senate and the NSpC to implement America's space
policies and ensure America is the leader in space exploration for
generations to come.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Bill Nelson to
James W. Morhard
Question. Please review the website climate.nasa.gov, particularly
the ``Fact'' pages on ``Evidence,'' ``Causes,'' and ``Scientific
Consensus,'' as well as the executive summary of the Fourth National
Climate Assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which
was compiled by Federal science agencies including NASA. Please state
whether or not you accept the statements articulated in the
``Highlights'' section on page one of the USGCRP report that states
that the period over the last 115 years is ``now the warmest in the
history of modern civilization,'' and that ``human activities,
especially emissions of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of the
observed warming since the mid-20th century.''
Answer. I have read the fact pages from the website
climate.nasa.gov and the executive summary of the Fourth National
Climate Assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP).
I accept the statements in the ``Highlights'' section in the USGCRP
report that it is ``extremely likely that human activities, especially
emissions of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of the observed
warming since the mid-20th century,'' and ``[t]his period is now the
warmest in the history of modern civilization,'' (https://
science2017.globalchange.gov/chapter/executive-summary/).
NASA is the key data collector of such information provided in
these reports, if confirmed, I will continue to enable our NASA
scientists to conduct new missions to collect important information on
the climate.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
James W. Morhard
Question 1. Mr. Morhard, as Deputy Administrator, you would be
responsible for helping Administrator Bridenstine set the priorities
and policy direction for NASA. Without a technical or scientific
background, how would you be able to weigh in on which missions to
support and prioritize?
Answer. If confirmed, I will rely on the many intelligent engineers
and scientists among NASA's senior civil servants and ensure they have
the resources to accomplish NASA's missions. I will also work with this
committee, the FACA committees and councils that advise NASA on mission
prioritization.
Project Budgets, Timelines, and Safety. Several large programs at
NASA have struggled to meet cost and schedule projections.
Question 2. Do you think there are systemic problems with program
and project management at NASA's field centers, where programs are
managed?
Answer. NASA's field centers are the core source of its engineering
and program management expertise. Although some complex space projects
and programs have struggled to meet original cost and schedule
projections, this has been the case since the beginning of the Space
Age due to the inherent technical complexity of space missions.
Nonetheless, even with this technical complexity, many of NASA's
projects--though assuredly not all--remain on track and on budget. If
confirmed, I will work with NASA Center leadership and Senators on this
committee to understand how we can further improve budget and schedule
performance while continuing to assure mission success.
Question 2a. How would you propose to improve the formulation and
management of large programs at NASA?
Answer. As many of NASA's missions remain successful, safe, and on
time and on budget, the focus should be on assessing and addressing the
challenges in the specific large programs at NASA that are experiencing
budget and schedule issue. If confirmed, my effort will be to become
familiar with the relevant programmatic issues and support the
Administrator in providing guidance to the programs in order to improve
performance and budget discipline.
Question 2b. Do you support revisions to the procurement process,
including for large strategic science missions?
Answer. The NASA procurement process delivers world-class science
and exploration missions by using cost plus contracts, fixed price
contracts, and Space Act Agreements. If confirmed, I will work with
this committee to thoroughly investigate what other acquisition
strategies might be valuable to pursue for new and upcoming programs.
Question 3. In addition to adhering to budgets and timelines, is
also imperative that we keep safety as a priority in all missions,
especially as we work toward landing humans on Mars. Mr. Morhard, how
would you work with career NASA staff to ensure that safety is
prioritized alongside budgets and timelines in evaluating projects?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to create a human spaceflight
program characterized by a culture of consensus and safety. The Flight
Readiness Review process will have clear ``go/no go.'' It is important
that the Mission Management Team is not pressured by schedule or budget
concerns and that the only factors they need to consider for a ``go/no
go'' decision are technical risks. Should disagreements arise after the
Flight Readiness Review, the Mission Management Team will have my full
support in placing a hold on a launch until disagreements are resolved.
I will also rely on the safety recommendations proposed by the
Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and other councils to ensure
that safety is paramount in all that NASA does, and our astronauts are
safely launched into space and safely return to Earth.
Earth Science Programs. NASA carries out critical Earth-observing
missions that have advanced our understanding of climate change--one,
ICESat-2, is set to launch next month to track polar ice changes.
Associate Administrator Zurbuchen told the Subcommittee on Space,
Science, and Competitiveness earlier this month that Earth Science will
remain a priority for NASA going forward.
Question 4. If appointed as Deputy Administrator, would you
continue to prioritize Earth Science programs?
Answer. Yes.
Space Council. A little over a year ago, an Executive Order revived
the National Space Council, chaired by the Vice President, to ``provide
a coordinated process for developing and monitoring the implementation
of national space policy and strategy.''
Question 5. In your view, which NASA policies and programs
warrant--and could benefit from--the attention of the Space Council?
Answer. The National Space Council (NSpC) has provided NASA its
goal of getting to the moon through a cooperation of the HEO and
Science Mission Directorates. I think the Aeronautics Mission
Directorate could benefit from the NSpC's attention as well as science
missions that are unrelated to SPD-1. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with the NSpC and this committee in implementing SPD-1 and all
future policies related to NASA and America's aerospace endeavors.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to James W. Morhard
Unmanned Aerial Systems. In Nevada we have an exciting and
developing industry leadership on drones. We have the Nevada Institute
for Autonomous Systems, which is a nonprofit that partners with various
organizations to develop drone technology. We're one of the FAA
designated UAS Test Sites, the only one which is statewide, as well as
home to a recently awarded FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program site given
to Reno.
Question 1. Do you agree with me that these FAA UAS test sites are
a vital part of the research and development that goes into safely and
effectively integrating drones into the national air space and
realizing some of the tremendous benefits that can come along with this
new technology?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Can you commit continuing this partnership with NASA so
long as Congress continues to authorize these test sites?
Answer. Yes.
Diversity at NASA. Back at the beginning of August we had a
resolution here in the Senate to award Congressional Gold Medals to
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson and Christine Darden,
four African-American women who did incredible work at NASA during the
space race. I think this is great because, one of the most important
things for empowering young women and minorities to pursue these jobs
is they need role models and mentors, they need to see representation
in these fields. It has been great to see NASA have a commitment to
increasing the diversity of its employees, but work still remains to be
done as women and minorities are still underrepresented in many fields
at the agency.
Question 3. Do you believe diversity and inclusion are important to
the success of NASA?
Answer. Yes.
Question 4. Will you commit to continuing these efforts, and
working with my office to help provide more opportunities for women and
minorities both at NASA and in STEM fields as a whole?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jon Tester to
James W. Morhard
Future Role of NASA's Office of Education. The Office of Education
has proven instrumental in exposing future scientists and engineers as
well as the public to the wonders of our universe and to learning
experiences that will impact their lives forever. This year, students
from Laurel Public Schools in Montana connected with astronauts aboard
the International Space Station--asking questions about living in space
and conducting scientific research on the space station. During last
year's solar eclipse, students at Montana universities participated in
unique data collection activities. For the FY18 and FY19 budgets, the
Administration eliminated the Office of Education. Each time, Congress
has funded the office. NASA's recommitment to expanding opportunities
for young, talented people via time-tested and successful educational
programs is essential to ultimately enabling the whole nation to reach
new heights.
Question 1. Will you commit today to personally support the Office
of Education--both its mission and functions?
Answer. Yes.
Space Grants--A Tool for Retaining Students in STEM Fields in order
to go onto STEM professions. For NASA to fulfill its mission, it
requires world-class scientists and engineers. At your nomination
hearing, you spoke about the importance of inspiring kids in middle
school. You are right. However, attracting bright and curious minds is
a first step. It is well documented that retaining scientific and
engineering talent through college, graduate school and beyond is an
ongoing challenge--especially from underrepresented groups, e.g.,
women, minorities and people with disabilities. For our Nation to
continue to be the global leader in science and space, we will need to
attract the best STEM talent from across our society and support their
development throughout their education and early career. The NASA Space
Grants program provides an important foundation in the development of
scientific and engineering talent by bridging academic and hands-on
experiences. Equally important to note, students engaged in NASA Space
Grant programs today are often NASA's workforce in the future. For
example, a student at the University of Montana Western interned last
summer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Her mentors were so
impressed, they invited her back this summer. Her hope is to enter the
Pathways program which will groom her for a NASA civil servant
position.
Question 2. Will you commit--before eliminating individual NASA
education programs and particularly NASA's Space Grant program--to
engage STEM educators and NASA human resources experts and directorate
managers about the challenges of developing, attracting and retaining
the best STEM talent to support NASA's mission and how the Space Grants
program has impacted the workforce (NASA and industry) that carries out
NASA's mission?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
James W. Morhard
Balanced NASA. The NASA Space Act of 1958 spells out the guiding
principles for a balanced portfolio in science and discovery in the
atmosphere and space. It has served the Agency well for 60 years. In
fact, it has taken us to the Moon in the Apollo program; given us the
Space Shuttle, Mars Rovers, International Space Station, Hubble
Telescope, and X-planes. It has enabled exploration of every planet in
the solar system and into interstellar space. It has also allowed for
numerous game changing technologies to spur our economy and provide a
spirit of partnership and diplomacy unlike any other Agency.
Question 1. Do you support a balanced NASA?
Answer. Yes.
SLS/Orion. Mr. Morhard, in your questionnaire, you list the top
challenge for the Agency as the need to ``establish and implement a
clear, compelling, and executable direction for the future of human
space exploration.'' The Administration's Space Policy Directive-1
directs the return to the Moon, and from there to lay the pathway to
Mars.
Question 2. Do you believe the Administration's policy, utilizing
SLS and Orion, is the right one for human space flight?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
James W. Morhard
I appreciate your extensive public service background. However, I
am concerned that you lack the technical background that many of your
predecessors have had. This is especially important in light of the
current Administrator's lack of technical expertise. It is critical
that senior leadership at NASA is able to critically examine technical
and scientific issues--and be able to resolve issues when there could
be disagreements between departments.
Question 1. How are you planning to get up to speed to understand
NASA's many scientific and technical programs?
Answer. I will rely on the many intelligent scientists like Dr.
Zurbuchen and Dr. Mike Watkins to provide me with the best advice on
all scientific matters. I will also continue to read reports from our
scientific community like the recently published 2017 Decadal survey,
``Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth
Observations from Space,'' and work to implement the recommendations.
If confirmed, I will work to ensure our NASA scientists have the
resources and tools available to them to carry out NASA's science
missions.
Question 1a. How will you resolve these types of issues?
Answer. I will ensure there is a culture of leadership where NASA
civil servants are allowed to raise disagreements, but I will also
provide the leadership to create a consensus so we can move forward
with missions. I will also rely on this committee, FACA committees and
councils that advise NASA leadership on science missions.
Question 2. In your most recent position with the Sergeant of Arms'
office, what experience do you specifically have in resolving complex
issues?
Answer. The Senate's e-mail Service was temporarily stopped two
months after I began the position. We then embarked on an effort to
identify and resolve all the Senate's cyber vulnerabilities.
It included new defenses to address each threat that we identified.
Our initial efforts were through contracts with subject matter experts
who could address respective challenges. As time went on it became
apparent that in some cases long term civil servants were needed
instead of contractors to keep the continuity of the successes we had
already attained. With that increase in staff, I had a new challenge of
establishing and hiring a new branch and continue our cyber security at
the same risk level is a continuation of a complex issue--where no
mistake can be afforded at any level. This is just one example of the
many issues the Sergeant at Arms faces.
Question 3. In your most recent position with the Sergeant of Arms'
office, what experience do you specifically have in managing complex
projects?
Answer. The job itself entails managing a complex project which is
keeping the Senate safely operating. What I mean is that it ranges from
making sure that all members, staff, visitors and the Capitol complex
are safe. At the same time, the risk levels of our Information
Technology must be at an acceptable level. This effort means addressing
challenges from spamming and phishing all the way up to network
defense. We have done so and my focus is now on keeping the projects on
track and ensure collaboration among all the stakeholders.
This is all part of a greater process to maintain and constantly
improve the Senate operations so that the Senate can successfully check
and balance any Administration. These operations span the spectrum from
all physical security and IT, to parking and furniture movers. Because
of the range in-between is so large and each part must be successfully
accomplished for members and staff, I believe it is a complex
management challenge that I have enjoyed mastering.
Question 4. Will you commit to ensure that the research and
science-based activities by NASA employees are protected from political
interference including science related to climate change?
Answer. Yes.
Question 5. Will you commit to maintaining a culture at NASA that
does not compromise the integrity of rigorously researched or tested
scientific findings?
Answer. Yes.
Question 6. Ninety seven percent of scientists with articles in
peer-reviewed journals have concluded that climate change is real, is
caused by human activity, and is already causing devastating problems
in our country and around the world. Do you agree with this statement?
Answer. Yes.
Question 7. How would you address the arguments of outside
entities--and those serving in the current Administration--who refute
NASA's scientific research on climate change?
Answer. I would direct them to read information presented on NASA's
website https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ and the executive summary
from the Fourth National Climate Assessment.
Question 8. I am interested in working with you to support NASA's
workforce and activities in New Mexico. NASA has a presence at White
Sands Missile Range and we want to increase activity at that site. Many
commercial companies are preparing to offer spaceflight services not
only for tourism, but also for science and technology development. New
Mexico's Spaceport America is one of the best places for this kind of
activity. How do you see these platforms, many of which have already
manifested payloads, fitting into NASA's overall mission? And, could
these vehicles be a viable opportunity to expand the agency's science
and human spaceflight opportunities?
Answer. NASA must further leverage its international and commercial
partnerships to accomplish its many missions involving exploration and
discovery. I think emerging spaceports like the one in New Mexico will
play a significant role in NASA's future missions and I look forward
working with you and other Senators on this committee to expand NASA's
commercial partnerships.
Question 9. How do you plan to balance making changes and
improvements to NASA with understanding and respecting NASA's primary
functions, programs, and culture?
Answer. I will follow the guidance in the NASA Transition
Authorization Act of 2017, which was authored by this committee and
signed into law by the President, that reaffirms NASA should remain a
multi-mission agency with a balanced set of core missions in science,
space technology, aeronautics, human space flight and exploration, and
education. The law also reaffirms the continuance of the SLS/Orion and
Commercial Crew and Cargo programs. If confirmed, it will be my duty to
ensure these missions and programs are executed on budget and on
schedule as directed by the law.
Question 10. Will you commit to ensuring that transparency and
accountability are integral components of management and decision-
making at NASA?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to
Joel Szabat
Question 1. Can you assure this committee and my constituents in
Alaska that the Department of Transportation recognizes the unique need
for EAS in Alaska and will protect and preserve existing EAS in the
state of Alaska?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Would you agree that any effort to address costs or
efficiency cannot be done in a way that would undermine EAS for the
State of Alaska?
Answer. Congress has made clear that Alaska has unique
transportation needs, and since I joined the Office of Aviation and
International Affairs and began overseeing the EAS program, I have
become attuned to these needs. While more than one-third of all EAS
communities are in Alaska, collectively, those communities represent
less than 9 percent of program costs. The average EAS subsidy in the
contiguous 48 states is $2.9 million annually; only three Alaskan
communities have a subsidy over $1 million. This data suggests that
Alaska would not be the place to look to address excessive costs or
inefficiencies, if such measures are considered in the future.
Question 3. As you consider the best ways to manage the EAS
program, will you consult with communities that depend on EAS and the
air carriers that serve those communities to ensure that your decision
making is well informed about the potential impact and avoiding
unintended consequences?
Answer. Yes. I have already begun to do so. Since I joined the
office in January, I have already spoken to most of the EAS air
carriers. I have visited with the EAS communities in South Dakota,
Nebraska, Montana, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Virginia. I have
joined conference calls with the Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine
communities, and spoken to individual communities in Arizona, Hawaii,
and Kansas. I am planning a visit to Alaska in October to learn from
the communities there. I recognize that each community has unique
challenges; if confirmed I will continue to reach out to the
communities and carriers to find ways to make EAS more effective, more
efficient, and to avoid unintended consequences.
Question 4. Instrument Flight Rules
Your assistance working with your colleagues at FAA on the
following questions is appreciated:
Following the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA)
publication ``FAA Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Enroute
Structure,'' FAA developed a follow on document referred to as AkEnt,
that outlines requirements for Alaska's future IFR enroute system.
(AkEnt is not available to the public, as it is a document internal to
the FAA.) When will FAA disseminate a comprehensive, cohesive, and time
lined Alaska solution?
Answer. To address this question, the Office of Aviation and
International Affairs, which I currently manage, reached out to the FAA
for a response.
FAA Response: The FAA is committed to the safety and efficiency of
the National Airspace System (NAS). We continually study and evaluate
ways to improve the NAS to support the operations, including Alaska's
IFR enroute system. We are currently working internally, as well as
with stakeholders as needed, to identify issues and potential solutions
to address the enroute system in Alaska. At this time, we cannot
provide a timeline of the possible solutions; however, we will continue
to look for ways to improve the Alaska's airspace and infrastructure.
Question 5. To address the IFR navigation solution for Alaska when
Global Positioning System (GPS) is unavailable? What will air carriers
in Alaska utilize for navigation if a VOR-Minimum Operational Network
is not planned?
Answer. To address this question, the Office of Aviation and
International Affairs, which I currently manage, reached out to the FAA
for a response.
FAA Response: Commercial operators seeking to fly under Instrument
Flight Rules (IFR) are required by current regulation, e.g., Chapter 14
of the Code of Federal Regulations parts 121 and 135, to be equipped
with navigation systems suitable for navigating the aircraft along the
route to be flown with the degree of accuracy required for Air Traffic
Control. The preponderance of aircraft used for commercial operations
in Alaska do not possess any autonomous navigation capability, such as
inertial navigation. Therefore, in the absence of a Minimum Operational
Network (MON), most Alaska commercial operators would revert to relying
on conventional navigational aids or radar vectors for route navigation
during periods when GPS is unavailable. No VORs are scheduled to be
decommissioned in Alaska under VOR MON. If GPS is out of service,
Alaska aviation would be limited to airways/navigation serviced by
existing VORs. There would be service volume limitations, because of
terrain and distances between VORs. Radar vectors or monitoring could
potentially fill in gaps where radar coverage is available.
Question 6. What will the standard be for GPS NextGen equipage
following the 2020 mandate on ADSB? Will FAA require commercial air
operators to equip with Technical Standard Order 145/146 Wide Area
Augmentation System GPS and a ground-based legacy Navigational Aid
backup? What will the standard be moving forward?
Answer. To address this question, the Office of Aviation and
International Affairs, which I currently manage, reached out to the FAA
for a response.
FAA Response: Following the 2020 mandate for ADS-B, GPS will remain
the standard both for performance based navigation (PBN) and ADS-B. PBN
and ADS-B are both fundamental elements of NextGen. Both underpin FAA
plans to improve the efficiency of air traffic management through time
based and trajectory based flow management. ADS-B will remain the
principal means of aircraft surveillance.
While the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) will continue to
provide access for many pilots to the vast majority of the country's
runways, there are no plans, nor any pending rule-making initiatives,
that would require any operators to be equipped with Technical Standard
Order (TSO) 145 or 146 GPS equipment.
Commercial operators are now required, by regulation, e.g., 14 CFR
part 121 Sec. 121.349, to be equipped with two approved independent
navigation systems suitable for navigating the airplane along the route
to be flown with the degree of accuracy required for ATC. Operators
flying under Part 135 face similar requirements. Given that the FAA
intends to maintain a minimum ground-based navigation infrastructure as
a back-up to GPS, commercial operators will need to maintain some
equipment capability to use ground-based navigation as a back-up.
Question 7. When will FAA develop and adopt a plan on whether to
convert colored (Non-Directional Beacon based) airways to T-Routes (GPS
based), NDB physical locations to GPS waypoints, and amend requirements
for mountainous regions and the remaining recommendations contained
within the FAA PBN Enroute Structure for Alaska?
Answer. To address this question, the Office of Aviation and
International Affairs, which I currently manage, reached out to the FAA
for a response.
FAA Response: The FAA has initiated a detailed assessment of
feasibility for all 92 recommendations in the 2017 RTCA Recommendations
for the Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Route System report.
Included in the Tactical Operations Committee report are the 23 Alaska-
specific Low Altitude recommendations. We anticipate this activity will
be completed by the end of CY2018. Subsequent to completion of this
assessment, the FAA will evaluate resource requirements and
prioritization of the recommendations in relation to all other National
Airspace System (NAS) needs.
The FAA 2016 PBN NAS Navigation Strategy en route plan identifies
efforts in the near term (2016 -2020) to begin the transition to an
improved PBN-based route structure. The focus in the en route domain is
to shift to a PBN-based service environment, and to increase the
agility with which these services can be provided to balance emerging
operator and systemwide needs.
In the midterm (2021-2025) en route environment, the FAA will focus
on continuing efforts to provide additional PBN routes and point-to-
point navigation where operationally beneficial, and will remove most
conventional ATS routes. Commitments include replacing conventional Jet
routes with Q-routes where route structure continues to be needed,
implementing T-routes where beneficial, and eliminating Victor airways,
except where needed in mountainous regions and areas without radar
coverage.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Deb Fischer to
Joel Szabat
Question. The Essential Air Service (EAS) program is critical for
airports in Nebraska, especially those that have experienced service
disruptions. I have repeatedly objected to cuts to EAS support in
Nebraska. Will you commit to maintaining the EAS program, recognizing
that airports experiencing service disruptions may need this support to
improve their air service?
Answer. In April, I visited EAS communities in South Dakota,
Montana and Nebraska. In Scottsbluff, I invited all of Nebraska's EAS
communities to an open conversation. I met with airport officials and
leaders from six of the seven communities to learn from them firsthand
the importance of EAS. From the local leaders, I have learned that
reliable service, multiple daily flights, and, where possible,
interline agreements with carriers at hub airports, are the keys to
successful EAS. Passengers are driven away by repeated service
disruptions. When a carrier unexpectedly stops serving a community, it
can take 90 days or more to resume service with a replacement carrier.
If confirmed, I will do all in my power to mitigate or eliminate
service disruptions, to improve the value of EAS to the communities it
serves.
The Office of Aviation and International Affairs has the statutory
responsibility to advocate for the aviation industry. If confirmed, I
will ensure that senior officials in the Department and in the
Administration are aware of the importance of EAS to rural communities,
and how the EAS program ties to President Trump's rural initiatives.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto
to Joel Szabat
Unmanned Aerial Systems. In Nevada we have an exciting and
developing industry leadership on drones. We have the Nevada Institute
for Autonomous Systems, which is a nonprofit that partners with various
organizations to develop drone technology. We're one of the FAA
designated UAS Test Sites, the only one which is statewide, as well as
home to a recently awarded FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program site given
to Reno.
Question 1. How are you working to get your office more engaged
with new aviation technologies, such as drones, urban air mobility, and
ensure businesses know they need to obtain authority if they want to
operate in the national airspace?
Answer. The Office of Aviation and International Affairs, within
the Office of the Secretary (OST), recognizes the transformational
changes that automation is bringing to aviation and surface
transportation systems. The Secretary has identified the safe
integration of unmanned aviation technology into the national airspace
as a high priority. The Office plays two important roles with regard to
unmanned aviation.
First, by statute, the Office is responsible for reviewing
applications for economic authority from entities that seek to engage
in air transportation, which means transporting persons or property to,
from, or within the United States for compensation. Economic authority
is separate from safety or operational authorities granted by the
Federal Aviation Administration, with which we coordinate closely on
these matters. On April 30, 2018, in my role as Deputy Assistant
Secretary, I signed and published a notice to operators explaining the
streamlined procedures that the Office will use to evaluate new
applications for unmanned cargo operations. The notice may be reviewed
at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/30/2018-09057/
notification-to-uas-operators-proposing-to-engage-in-air-
transportation.
Second, the Office is at the forefront of advising the Secretary on
UAS issues and developing nationwide unmanned aviation policy. The
Office worked closely with the FAA to design and implement the UAS
Integrated Pilot Program, which is a joint OST-FAA program that the
Office supports by participating in the program's Executive Steering
Group and by engaging directly with program partners, including the
City of Reno and its private partners. We have established four
objectives for the pilot program:
Accelerate the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace
System by testing and validating new concepts of beyond-visual-line-of-
sight operations;
1. Address ongoing concerns regarding safety and security risks;
2. Promote innovation in the United States economy; and
3. Identify the most effective models of balancing local and
national interests in UAS integration.
4. We expect that one outcome of the program will be improved
communication with operators and technology businesses, as well
as streamlined procedures for obtaining approvals to operate
within the United States.
CFIUS. My appreciation is that the office you're currently serving
in, and are nominated to head, has a role for DOT for all CFIUS cases
that go through the department. When the Senate took up CFIUS reform
earlier this year I worked to ensure the Committee addressed a number
of areas of concern for me and my home state of Nevada, including
addressing threats investments from China have posed to our military
installations in Nevada and how they might have been used to undermine
our democracy. I'm also concerned about other trends we're seeing from
some Chinese investments, which fall under CFIUS's purview: Some
investments from Chinese companies have been linked to potential
technology theft and espionage/stealing our national security secrets.
Question 2. Can I get your thoughts on these issues and how you see
them fitting into how you carry out your responsibility on CFIUS?
Answer. Although the Department of Transportation (DOT) is not a
statutory member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United
States (CFIUS), DOT is called upon for its transportation related
technical expertise in CFIUS reviews. The Office of Aviation and
International Affairs coordinates with the technical agencies within
the DOT in review of relevant transactions. We provide insights on the
companies being reviewed, and their technologies as they pertain to
transportation, that inform the CFIUS.
With the passage of Foreign Investment Risk Review Risk
Modernization Act (FIRRMA), the role of the Department of
Transportation in CFIUS will increase. As the Administration has noted,
FIRRMA is an important reform to CFIUS, providing it with the tools to
identify, examine, and address national security concerns arising from
foreign investment. The reforms will give the U.S. Government enhanced
capacity to protect our critical technology and infrastructure, while
also keeping America open to foreign investment. If confirmed, I will
assure that the Office of Aviation and International Affairs continues
to provide transportation-related technical expertise in the review of
applicable transactions.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to
Joel Szabat
Question 1. The Department has failed to issue rules requiring air
carriers to refund fees for delayed baggage, as well as to address
adjoining seats for children and their parents, despite being directed
to do so in the 2016 FAA reauthorization and the 2018 omnibus. Are
those rules coming? Can you commit to me that as Assistant Secretary,
you will respect the authority of the United States Congress and
implement the statutory requirements of the Department in a timely
manner?
Answer. Since I joined the Department of Transportation in 2002, I
have had the utmost respect for the constitutional role and authority
of the United States Congress. If confirmed, I will continue to respect
the authority of the United States Congress, and will meet all
statutory requirements, insofar as it is in my power to do so.
If confirmed, I will work with the Department's Aviation Consumer
Protection Division, which handles these important matters, to meet the
requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2016. In response to the
2016 Act, the Department issued an advance notice of proposed
rulemaking soliciting public comment and feedback on requiring airlines
to refund fees for delayed bags on flights within, to, and from the
United States. The Department plans to issue the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) this year. See https://reginfo.gov/public/do/
eAgendaViewRule?
pubId=201804&RIN=2105-AE53.
The Department already requires airlines to compensate passengers
for reasonable expenses that result due to a delay in baggage delivery
and to refund fees for lost bags. Currently, consumers must file claims
with an airline to seek reimbursement for damages caused by delay in
the delivery of their baggage.
It is in the airlines' interest to ensure that parents can sit with
their children. The 2016 Act required the Department to review U.S.
airlines family seating policies and decide whether it is appropriate
to issue a policy. The Department, led by the Aviation Consumer
Protection Division, which handles these matters, completed its review
and published new information for the public. To make sitting together
easier when flying, the Department has now included on its website
practical tips that families may use before, during, and after air
travel. See https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-
consumer-protection/family-seating. The Department website also
includes links to the family seating information of the large U.S.
airlines. The Department intended to provide consumers clear and
accurate information to enable them to make better informed decisions
when choosing among air transportation options.
Question 2. In your previous role at the Maritime Administration,
you were supportive of promoting use of U.S. flag in the international
shipping industry. Unfortunately, according to MARAD, American shipping
companies have gone from 25 percent of global tonnage in the 1950s to
just 2 percent today. As a result, we've seen our international
maritime shipping industry lose 87 percent as shipping companies flag
their liners outside of the US. We're now starting to see some airlines
trying to import this model into the international aviation industry.
If confirmed, how will you use your new authority to protect American
airline workers?
Answer. I recognize the importance of the aviation industry as a
key employer in the United States, the value of the more than 10
million Americans employed in commercial aviation jobs, and their
impact on the economic health of the country. Congress has provided the
Department with statutory authorities to prevent entry of ``flag of
convenience'' carriers in international aviation markets. If confirmed,
I will use those statutory authorities to benefit the aviation industry
and those it employs. Furthermore, I will work diligently to increase
opportunities in the international marketplace for U.S. airlines and
U.S. labor groups. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that U.S.
airlines are competing on a level playing field, that our aviation
agreements are enforced, and that the aviation industry is positioned
to continue as one of our country's most important employers.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Maggie Hassan to
Joel Szabat
Question. You mention in your testimony that, should you be
confirmed, one of your goals is to work on behalf of the small, rural
communities that depend on the Essential Air Service (EAS). Entire
communities and local economies in our country depend on this program,
which makes air travel possible where it otherwise would not be. The
Lebanon Airport, in my State of New Hampshire, provides service for 10
to 11 thousand Americans, many of whom are Granite Staters, every year,
and without this critical funding source, these passengers could be
left with fewer options, higher ticket prices, and lengthy commutes to
other airports. How will you reconcile supporting our rural
communities--which you said is a priority in your testimony--with the
President's proposal, in his 2019 proposed budget, to drastically
reduce resources for one of the most important aviation programs that
supports rural America?
Answer. As noted in your question, without Essential Air Service,
the rural travelling public would be left with fewer options, higher
unsubsidized fares, or longer commutes to other airports. At the same
time, the President's Budget recognized that EAS program costs continue
to rise dramatically even though the number of eligible communities has
been frozen since 2011, other than for Alaska and Hawaii, and proposed
some ways to constrain those costs. Since I joined the Office of
Aviation and International Affairs, my discussions with EAS airport
directors and community leaders across the country persuade me that
there may be other ways. For example, the President's Budget would
eliminate waivers for communities that do not meet enplanement
standards. EAS community leaders pointed out that it is the reliable
service of the air carrier that most affects enplanements, and if the
air carrier has poor dependability, they believe the community should
have the option of trying another carrier before losing its EAS status.
I believe stakeholders can work together toward common-sense management
and fiscal adjustments to improve this important program for rural
America, while controlling costs as stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.
If confirmed, I commit to actively engaging in that conversation.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Tom Udall to
Joel Szabat
Question. Essential Air Service is critical for many rural
communities across the country, but especially for communities like
Clovis and Carlsbad in New Mexico. I am concerned that the President's
proposed budget slashed funding for this program. Did you support this
proposed cut? If not, how will you protect the program from your
position?
Answer. I was in the Maritime Administration when the President's
Budget was prepared and did not review the Essential Air Service
proposal. I am aware of the importance of EAS to communities such as
Carlsbad and Clovis. Clovis is a case-in-point of the type of local
partnership I hope can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of EAS.
When the contract came up for renewal, the community favored a twin-
engine option that would cost the taxpayers $900,000 more than
continuation of single engine service. The Air Force also favored twin-
engine service, to allow military personnel, prohibited from flying on
single-engine planes, to transit through Clovis. I met with community
leaders, and worked directly with an Assistant Secretary of the Air
Force, who identified the potential for more than 6,000 annual
additional passengers. Despite the higher cost, my office awarded an
18-month `proof of concept' contract. We put the carrier, the Air
Force, and the community on notice that they must work together to
realize additional passengers if they want to assure the continuation
of twin-engine service. If they succeed, then the additional paying
passengers should lead to a smaller subsidy when the contract is
renewed. If confirmed, I will continue to work with the community to
help them succeed.
The Office of Aviation and International Affairs has a statutory
obligation to advocate for the American aviation industry. If
confirmed, I will ensure that the senior leadership of the Department
and the Administration are aware of Essential Air Service's critical
importance for rural communities, and how EAS supports President
Trump's initiatives in support of rural communities.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jon Tester to
Joel Szabat
Aviation Service to Rural Communities. Rural communities--such as
those in Montana--exist and operate in conditions that differ greatly
from those in urban areas. One reality that we encounter every day is
expansive distances. As a result, aviation-based transportation systems
play a critical role in connecting people in rural communities with
their families, with health services and with their jobs.
Question 1. According to your website, one of your office's goals
is to develop ``policies to improve air service and/or access to the
commercial aviation system for small and rural communities.'' Would you
please describe what your office is doing to achieve this goal
nationwide as well as specifically in Montana?
Answer. The Office of Aviation and International Affairs has within
its mission the objective of ensuring that consumers in all regions of
the United States, including those in small communities and rural and
remote areas, have access to affordable, regularly scheduled air
service. The Office administers both the Essential Air Service (EAS)
and Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) programs. The EAS
program subsidizes service to seven communities in Montana. In April, I
met in Missoula with the airport directors and community leaders from
all seven EAS communities. The SCASD Program has provided 15 grants to
Montana communities totaling $6,405,000. There are four active SCASD
grants at this time. Using the 2016 Missoula grant as an example, the
Office is working with the Missoula County Airport Authority to
increase available airline seats, reduce travel times, and sustain
nonstop, daily service to Dallas DFW or Houston IAH. In another
example, Great Falls gained seasonal, daily service on United Airlines
to Chicago ORD. This gain represents 3,500 additional inbound seats to
Great Falls, according to the community's final grant report.
Overall, the Office follows developments in airline scheduling,
airline competition, regional air service dynamics, and the air service
needs of small and rural communities. The Office uses this knowledge to
assist communities seeking to attract new or additional air service by
sharing best practices employed in similarly-situated communities,
especially those gleaned through the SCASD Program. If confirmed, I
will continue to work directly with the EAS communities and the
airlines serving them with a focus on increasing reliability and flight
frequency, and adding more interline agreements where practical. These
are the key tools to both improve the quality of air service to EAS-
dependent communities, and to reduce the subsidy per passenger by
filling more seats on each flight.
Air Ambulance Services for Rural Communities. When life-threatening
emergency situations arise, all of us want to be able to have access to
the best medical care. In rural communities, that access can be
hundreds of miles away. Air ambulances are not a luxury for rural-based
citizens. They can be the difference between living and dying. Yet
presently, the costs of air ambulance services are unregulated and
skyrocketing, and bankruptcy-inducing fees in tens of thousands of
dollars are unchecked. For one patient, Isla Rose, her family was
billed $56,000. Last year, I proposed legislation that would seek to
redress such circumstances so that patients can focus on recovering
medically and not have to focus on figuring out how to recover
financially due to being transported via an air ambulance.
Question 2. Given the unrestricted and usury fees charged to
patients facing medical crises who used an air ambulance, greater
accountability is needed. What steps are needed to rein in unchecked
air ambulance service fees?
Answer. The Office of Aviation and International Affairs has a
statutory responsibility to address small and rural community air
service issues, and I can appreciate your views on the challenges of
obtaining affordable air ambulance services. I am also aware of reports
detailing the amounts billed to patients by air ambulance providers.
Congress has provided the Department with some authority in this area.
The Office of the General Counsel has authority to investigate whether
an air carrier, including an air ambulance provider, has engaged in an
unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive practice in air
transportation or the sale of air transportation. The Office tracks air
ambulance related consumer complaints, and the Office regularly updates
its website with the names and numbers of complaints registered against
air ambulances.
Under the aviation statutes, the Department is limited, and the
States are preempted from regulating the price, routes, or services of
an air carrier in interstate air transportation. However, the
Department, through the Department of Justice, has filed briefs in a
number of recent court cases addressing the scope of the Airline
Deregulation Act's preemption provision. See, e.g., Scarlett v. Air
Methods Corp. (D. Colo. Nos. 17-cv-485 et al.); Wray v. PHI Air Medical
LLC, No. 18-cv-432 (D. Ariz. July 9, 2018); and Stout v. Med-Trans
Corp. (N.D. Fla. No. 17-cv-115). In addition, where patients were
charged what they believe to be excessive fees for air ambulance
services, some courts have recognized a legal theory--that does not run
afoul of the ADA's preemption provision--that would permit patient
lawsuits to proceed. For example, the United States District Court for
the District of Montana recently found that a patient's lawsuit could
proceed where the patient alleged that the relationship between the
patient and the air ambulance was governed by an implied-in-fact
contract, which, in the absence of an agreed charge, required the air
ambulance provider to charge reasonable rates pursuant to Montana law.
See Wagner v. Summit Air Ambulance, LLC, No. CR-17-57, 2017 WL 4855391
(D. Mont. Oct. 26, 2017); see also Wray v. PHI Air Medical LLC, No. 18-
cv-432 (D. Ariz. July 9, 2018).
If confirmed, I will work with the Office of General Counsel, as
well as Congress, regarding the appropriate ongoing role of the
Department in addressing this important issue.
Question 2a. How would you propose that air ambulance service
charges be structured so that patients are not faced with having to
choose between access to life-saving doctors and hospitals or financial
ruin?
Answer. In response to a 2017 mandate from the Senate and House
Appropriations Committees, the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
is currently analyzing the costs and payment structures of air
ambulances, including operational, medical, human capital, and business
expenses. Prices and billing practices of air ambulances may be related
substantially to the cost of medical services and insurance
reimbursement rates, as well as the capital costs of running an air
carrier. We are interested in reviewing the results of the GAO report
on air ambulance costs and payment structures. If confirmed, I will
work with the Office of the General Counsel, as well as Congress,
regarding how the results of the GAO study may inform our regulation of
air ambulances.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Joel Szabat
Question 1. There have been on-going controversies related to open
skies agreements--more specifically, the alleged ``flag of
convenience'' operations by Norwegian Air International and the
accusation of government subsidies against several Persian Gulf
carriers. Do you think these issues may warrant a review and certain
revisions to the existing air service agreements?
Answer. Two fundamental principles of U.S. international aviation
policy are relying on market forces rather than government regulation
and ensuring a fair and equal opportunity to compete. For those
instances in which the government must intercede to enforce our air
service agreements and ensure a more competitive environment, Congress
has provided the Department with statutory and regulatory tools to
address anticompetitive behavior in international aviation markets.
These matters are continuously under review. If confirmed, I will
continue to consult with stakeholders with the goal of giving the U.S.
industry and its employees a fair and equal opportunity to compete. I
will also work to ensure our aviation partners are living up to the
agreements that they have already made. This approach led to additional
understandings and side-letters with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
earlier this year.
Congress has also provided the Department with statutory
authorities to prevent entry of ``flag of convenience'' carriers in
international aviation markets. Furthermore, the bilateral nature of
air service agreements increases the Department's ability to ensure
that foreign airlines meet the applicable ownership and control
standards. If confirmed, I will work diligently to increase
opportunities in the international marketplace for U.S. airlines and
their workers.
Question 2. There are a number of aviation issues related to
Brexit. Such issues include international air service agreements, the
possible cessation of air services between the UK and the other EU
countries, the prospect of maintenance operations carried out in the UK
and/or aviation components made in the UK not being accepted or
approved because the UL won't be covered by the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA). In your opinion, how should DOT approach and
resolve these issues?
Answer. The Department of Transportation, along with its
interagency partners, is currently negotiating with the UK in an effort
to provide a seamless transition to a bilateral air transport
relationship upon Brexit. The FAA, in parallel, is working with the UK
aviation authorities to alleviate the implications of Brexit on high-
level aviation safety oversight and air traffic management between our
two countries. Avoiding any significant disruption to air services
between the U.S. and UK, provision of safety oversight, or
certification of aviation-related products and maintenance service, is
important to companies, travelers, and communities on both sides of the
Atlantic, and will be a priority of mine, if confirmed.
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