UArizona Geosciences Professor Jay Quade elected to National Academy of Science
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.