Michael C. Morgan, a University of Wisconsin–Madison professor in the department of atmospheric and oceanic Sciences, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction. In that capacity, he will serve as deputy administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Dr. Morgan’s research has focused on the analysis, diagnosis, prediction, and predictability of mid-latitude and tropical weather systems. To fulfill his new duties, Dr. Morgan will take a leave of absence from his role as a professor and associate chair of the department’s undergraduate program.
“I am honored to have been confirmed by the Senate and thrilled to be able to further advance our nation’s capabilities in earth system prediction to allow for timely preparation for environmental threats,” said Dr. Morgan, who is the Ned P. Smith Distinguished Chair of Meteorology at the Univerity of Wisconsin–Madison. “I have always embraced the Wisconsin Idea, which stipulates that knowledge be widely shared to make life better for all.”
According to NOAA, Morgan will be responsible for providing agency-wide direction regarding weather, water, climate and ocean observations, including in situ instruments and satellites, and the process of converting observations to predictions for environmental threats.
Dr. Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
