In 2020, a line of severe thunderstorms unleashed powerful winds that caused billions in damages across the Midwest United States. A technique developed by Penn State scientists that incorporates satellite data could improve forecasts — including where the most powerful winds will occur — for similar severe weather events.

Jose D. Fuentes, professor of atmospheric science in Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, will receive a pair of honors in December at the 2023 American Geophysical Union (AGU) annual meeting.

Fuentes has been elected as an AGU Fellow, joining 63 other scientists from around the world in the 2023 class. He will also receive the organization’s Ambassador Award at the meeting in San Francisco.