By Izabela Zaluska 

Allison Jaynes, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was recently recognized for her scientific contributions with two prestigious early career honors.  

Jaynes received the James B. Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union and the Katherine E. Weimer Award from the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics. 

“I am extremely humbled to be honored in this way, … and I'm so proud to represent Iowa in these professional societies,” Jaynes said. 

Jaynes joined the department, which is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, in 2017 after receiving a PhD from the University of New Hampshire and working as a researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Her research focuses on inner magnetosphere particle dynamics, including the ring current and radiation belts and how they connect to atmospheric and auroral physics. She has been a co-investigator on NASA satellite, Cubesat and sounding rocket missions. 

“My department and the college have made all of this possible through their support and encouragement,” Jaynes said, adding how the supportive environment makes the University of Iowa a special place to launch a career. 

The AGU James B. Macelwane Medal recognizes significant contributions to Earth and space science. Three to five early career scientists are selected annually for the award from the American Geophysical Union, the world's largest Earth and space science association. 

Jaynes is recognized for her tremendous personal sacrifices and selfless dedication to advancing Earth and space sciences. 

The Katherine E. Weimer Award from the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics recognizes and encourages outstanding achievement in plasma science research by a woman physicist in the early years of her career.  

Jaynes is being recognized for outstanding scientific contributions to understanding fundamental space plasma physics processes in the Earth’s magnetosphere and exemplary leadership. 

The award plays an important role in recognizing the contribution and potential of women in plasma science and will help to attract and retain women in this field, according to the organization. It is awarded every two years. 

UCLA professor and plasma scientist Jacob Bortnik nominated Jaynes for both awards, saying she is “beyond deserving” of the recognition. 

“She deeply cares about her students and deeply cares about diversity and equity,” Bortnik told the Daily Iowan.“She’s kind of been at the forefront of this in our field, and she’s just a great, super-bright, honest, enthusiastic person who is 100 percent all in on being a professor.” 

Jaynes said getting these two recognitions at this stage of her career is valuable and allows more people to take notice of her research. This year marked 10 years since receiving her PhD. 

“I hope to leverage the new attention to spotlight the incredible students and post-docs who comprise my research group, so they can get recognition as well for all their many accomplishments,” Jaynes said.