Hajo Eicken, professor of geophysics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, was appointed new Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) Science Steering Committee (SSC) Chair in early 2010. Dr. Eicken's research interests are in the field of sea-ice geophysics. In particular, he is interested in how small-scale properties and the microstructure of sea ice impact processes on a larger scale, as well as the role of sea ice in the climate system. He is also involved in activities that examine how scientists can improve access to the vast amount of data collected during the International Polar Year and beyond in order to help different users of sea ice (local communities, indigenous populations, industry, government, and others) make better planning decisions. Peter Schlosser, Columbia University, is now serving as past chair.

The SEARCH SSC will meet this November in Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact Dr. Eicken (hajo.eicken [at] gi.alaska.edu) or 907-474-7280.