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SFOS Newsletter
Fall 2007


Oceanographer honored for 50 years of service to arctic science

As an undergraduate studying geophysics in Philadelphia in the 1950s, John Kelley knew he wanted to learn more about the far north.

Fifty years later, Kelley has been recognized for helping countless scientists and members of the public learn about Alaska and the polar regions. In September, he was presented with an award for advancing science in the Arctic at the AAAS Arctic Division’s annual meeting.

A professor of chemical oceanography at SFOS, Kelley’s research focuses on trace metals, atmospheric gases and contaminants in marine environments. Kelley joined UAF in 1968.

For the past 25 years, Kelley has encouraged minority and especially Alaska Native students to pursue careers in science, math and engineering.

The award also recognizes Kelley’s long-time service as a member of multiple professional societies. He is the president of the AAAS Arctic Division. Kelley is a regional director and a former president of Sigma Xi, a scientific research society with more than 60,000 members worldwide.

Kelley has also served as the director of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, headquartered in Barrow, Alaska. He has also chaired the North Slope Borough Science Advisory Committee since its founding in 1980.