UArizona Geosciences Professor Jay Quade is Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Jay Quade (left) and Jordan Abell (right) looking for optimal samples. Photo: Güneş Duru
Today, the National Academy of Sciences announced the election of 120 members and 24 international members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. According to the Academy, "Election to the National Academy of Sciences is considered one of the highest professional honors among scientists, engineers, and health professionals."
This year, only one individual from Arizona was elected: Professor Jay Quade of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona.
With nearly 400 publications, and almost 30,000 citations, Jay has had an extremely influential career. As a 3rd generation geologist and “real-life Indiana Jones” (Paul Kapp while receiving the Donath Medal in 2008), his awards and accolades are nothing short of impressive. Prior to being elected to the National Academy of Sciences, Jay earned the Arthur L. Day Medal in 2018 from the Geological Society of America for "outstanding distinction in contributing to geologic knowledge through the application of physics and chemistry to the solution of geologic problems".
When presenting this award, a colleague noted “Over the past three decades, Jay has pioneered new isotopic methods to address major questions in tectonics, global climate change, and evolution. He has set the standard for calibrating geochemical systems in the natural environment; seeking out that ideal outcrop, even if it means leading, or sometimes dragging, colleagues and students along…I can attest that the elegance of these geochemical data sets has inspired countless students and colleagues, and has helped unravel many secrets of the geologic world.”
Awards aside, Jay is known to be an outstanding teacher with the College of Science’s own Dean Carmie as a past pupil. One student remarks, “Professor Quade is one of the best professors I have ever had. He’s not only interesting and exciting to hear lecture, he throws in his own personal experience to make things relevant. Absolutely amazing professor.” We’d be here all day if we went through every glowing remark about Jay Quade. Here are some other quotes from colleagues that show just how important his work has been in this area of science.
“Jay introduced me to working in eastern Africa but more importantly he taught me to study a system from the ground up: roll up my sleeves, walk back to that outcrop again, and figure it out. No system seems off limits with Jay– just buckle up and study it, thoroughly.” - Naomi E. Levin while receiving the Young Scientist Award in 2013.
“Jay is an extraordinary scientist and an extraordinary person. His research has addressed a number of problems in the geology, hydrology and ecology of both modern and ancient arid and semi-arid environments, and he represents an unmatched blend of field geologist and geochemist… He is a generous and perceptive collaborator and a most congenial colleague. The impact of his work has been both broad and deep, and he richly deserves this recognition.” - Judith Totman Parrish while presenting Jay the Farouk El-Baz Award for “an outstanding body of work in the field of desert research”.
Congratulations Jay!