Scientific Employee of the Year

AOML oceanographer Dr. Sang-Ki Lee was selected as the Scientific Employee of the Year on May 12 at the 52nd annual Federal Employee of the Year awards ceremony hosted by the South Florida Federal Executive Board. Sang-Ki received the award in recognition of research that has demonstrated physical processes linking sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans with the likelihood of severe tornado outbreaks in the US. Sang-Ki is currently working with scientists at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center to transition the results of this research into a seasonal forecast of tornado activity. This new, first-of-its-kind forecast will enable vulnerable communities and first responders to better plan for the possibility of a severe tornado season with a lead time of from 1 to 3 months.