Professor Bryan Mark, a faculty member in The Ohio State University's Department of Geography, has been named the 2024 Lois M. Jones Award for Science Access, Engagement, and Communication recipient. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Mark's exceptional dedication to making climate science accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, from university students to international communities.

With nineteen years as a faculty member and a storied history of work at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center since his graduate studies, Dr. Mark has profoundly impacted education and outreach. His transformative teaching of global climate change has touched the lives of hundreds of students each semester. Through innovative course enhancements, such as integrating climate negotiation simulations and Byrd Center tours, Dr. Mark has created a dynamic learning experience that bridges theory and real-world application.

Dr. Mark's contributions extend beyond the classroom. He co-developed Ohio State's Climate Change Fundamentals Certificate Program, offering undergraduates a pathway to deepen their understanding of the complexities of climate change. This groundbreaking initiative is already shaping the next generation of climate-aware leaders.

Dr. Mark spearheaded numerous initiatives to engage stakeholders and the public during his tenure as the State Climatologist of Ohio from 2015 to 2022. He played a pivotal role in developing resources like the FARM Application, which aids Ohio farmers in nutrient application, and the OSU Campus Mesonet, a weather monitoring network for the Columbus campus. His work forged meaningful collaborations with Ohio State's agricultural community, further advancing climate resilience efforts.

As the lead researcher in the Glacier Environmental Change Group, Dr. Mark mentors graduate students while conducting field research in locations as diverse as Peru, Africa, and Pakistan. His commitment to empowering his students matches his passion for engaging communities through outreach activities, including leading field studies in Great Basin National Park through the Great Basin Research Experience - GBEX and coaching a middle school Lego League team.

Dr. Mark's tireless advocacy for climate science education has extended to faith-based communities and public audiences, emphasizing the universal importance of climate awareness. His unique ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds exemplifies the spirit of the Lois Jones Award.

By championing accessible science and fostering innovation, Dr. Mark has become a pillar of excellence in climate education and communication. His impactful career inspires educators and researchers alike and demonstrates how the power of knowledge can drive meaningful change.

The Lois M. Jones Award was established by the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center's Education and Outreach Team to honor the legacy of Dr. Lois M. Jones (1935–2000), a trailblazing geochemist from Ohio State who led the first all-women research expedition to Antarctica in 1969 and became one of the first women to reach the South Pole. This annual award, bestowed by the Byrd Center, acknowledges significant efforts to increase access to science, engage new communities in research, and improve the communication of scientific information to diverse audiences.