University of Colorado Boulder researchers are among a select group being recognized with 2017 Governor’s Awards for High-Impact Research. The awards, presented by the CO-LABS consortium, celebrate the groundbreaking work of scientists and engineers from Colorado’s federal research labs. Now in its ninth year, the Governor’s Awards event brings together scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials to celebrate exceptional work.
Professor Kristine M. Larson of the Ann and H. J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is one of the researchers receiving this award. As the lead of the GPS Reflection group, Larson is, "glad to see the CO-LAB organization recognizing that great research comes not only from individual labs, but from a collaboration that crosses institutional boundaries."
The team’s project “GPS Reflections: Innovative Techniques” explores new ways to use GPS signals, such as tapping data from receivers already deployed for other applications, to aid in fields such as hydrology, phenology, ecology, soil science, atmospheric sciences, ocean sciences and cryospheric sciences. GPS reflection measurements also provide a new data source to validate and calibrate satellite-based Earth observations, informing risk resiliency, such as flood or drought forecasting; supporting natural resource management, especially regarding land-use and farming efficiency; and helping diverse consumers such as those in agriculture, the winter recreational industry and the aerospace industry.
This year’s honorees will be recognized from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Event information is available here.