Alumnus El-Baz honored for contributions toward solving global challenges

Since his visit to MU in March 2009 when, as the 2009 William Francis English Scholar-in-Residence, he presented the talk “When the Sahara was Green,” Farouk El-Baz (PhD, Geology, '64) has received numerous honors and recognition. El-Baz, who is a research professor and the director of the Boston University Center for Remote Sensing, has a diverse portfolio. From 1967 to 1972, he worked with NASA in planning the scientific exploration of the moon, including the selection of landing sites for the Apollo missions and the training of astronauts in lunar observations and photography. In 1972 at the end of the Apollo Program, El-Baz joined the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., to establish and direct the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and Space Museum. During the past 20 years, in his research at Boston University, El-Baz has utilized satellite images to better understand the origin and evolution of desert landforms. He is credited with providing evidence that the desert is not man-made but the result of major climatic variations.

Apollo: 40 Years Later

On July 20, 2009, the United States and the world celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Apollo lunar landing mission. El-Baz was involved in several aspects of the Apollo program such as selecting landing sites for the missions and supporting the needs of lunar science at NASA headquarters. El-Baz reflects on his experience working with NASA through two essays: "The Apollo Legacy" (Word) and "Before the World Looks East" (Word).

Imagine it! The Power of Imagination is a film about the importance of science and engineering to solve global challenges through imagination, creative thinking, and education. El-Baz is featured in the film. An excerpt from the film, called "Apollo Challenge," can be viewed here: www.imagineitproject.com/apollo/ (video from by Infinite Loop Media)

New Center Named for El-Baz

The Suez Canal University in Port-Said, Egypt, announced in February the establishment of a new research center for the practical applications of space images and geographic information systems (GIS) methodologies. The center, part of the university's Faculty of Science, has been named The Farouk El-Bas Center for Remote Sensing in honor of El-Baz.

"It is heartwarming to learn of this recognition by my students and colleagues in Egypt," says El-Baz. "Classroom instruction and training professionals in the use of satellite images to gain scientific knowledge is something that I have encouraged throughout my career. This center is a highlight of recognition."

The Pride of America

Farouk El-Baz was one of 49 individuals featured in a full-page display ad sponsored by The Carnegie Corporation of New York in the July 4 issue of The New York Times titled "Immigrants: The Pride of America."

"It is a great honor for me to be considered among the nation's successful immigrants," says El-Baz. "The U.S. has given me a superb education at the University of Missouri. I have also been very lucky to apply that education to the country's magnificent space effort. What I get back is only a fraction of what I have received." Download the ad (pdf).

Laura Lindsey
Arts & Science Dean's Office

Links:

Dr. Farouk El-Baz
Boston University Center for Remote Sensing

William Francis English Scholar-in-Residence