New AOES Dept. Chair

AOES Professor David Straus has accepted an appointment as Chair of
the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, effective
25 August 2009.  He succeeds Acting Chair Jagadish Shukla.

Dr. Shukla writes, "The appointment of David Straus as the new
chairman bodes well for the future of the department.  David is a
world leader in climate diagnostic research.  His scientific
excellence and enthusiasm combined with his pleasant personality and
collegiality will serve the department well.  I look forward to
working with David as the new chairman."

Dr. Shukla played a crucial role in creating Mason's Climate Dynamics
Department, which Dr. Shukla chaired.  With the addition of the
Geology faculty from the Environmental Science and Policy Department,
Climate Dynamics grew into the current AOES Department.  Dean
Chandhoke of College of Science writes that as founding chair of AOES,
"Jagadish Shukla is to be commended for his visionary thinking and
innovative research foresight that established this reputation of
academic and research excellence."  Dr. Shukla will continue to serve
as Distinguished University Professor in AOES.