Lei Zhao Awarded AGU James B. Macelwane Medal

Researcher Lei Zhao, an affiliate of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), has been awarded the AGU James B. Macelwane Medal in recognition of his work on climate change and urbanization.

Named for former AGU president James B. Macelwane, the award is given annually to three to five early career scientists for their significant contributions to Earth and Space Science. As an AGU Honoree, Zhao also receives automatic distinction as an AGU Fellow. 

Zhao is an Assistant Pofessor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, where his research centers on the confluence of global climate change and urbanization, two of the most dominant forces shaping the Earth system and grand challenges of our generation. Together with his research group, he investigates how cities interact with climate system and develops the next-generation, urban-resolving Earth system models and digital twins. His work combines theory, Earth system modeling, remote sensing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and advanced computing.

AGU, the world’s largest Earth and space science association, celebrates individuals and teams through its annual Honors and Recognition program for their accomplishments in research, education, science communication, and outreach. These honorees have transformed our understanding of the world, impacted our everyday lives, improved our communities and contributed to solutions for a sustainable future.

Zhao earned his Ph.D. from Yale University in 2015 and was a postdoctoral scholar at Princeton University before joining the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2018. In addition to his primary appointment with civil and environmental engineering, he is affiliated with iSEE, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, and the Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences. The AGU previously honored Zhao with its Global Environmental Change Early Career Award in 2023.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the James B. Macelwane Medal, and to be included among such distinguished past recipients,” Zhao said. “This honor reflects not only my own efforts but also the incredible support of my students, collaborators, colleagues, and mentors. This recognition would not have been possible without their invaluable contributions, guidance, and inspiration.”

Zhao joins a distinguished group of scientists, leaders and communicators recognized by AGU for advancing science. Each honoree reflects AGU’s vision for a thriving, sustainable and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation and action.

“To me, this honor underscores the importance of advancing our understanding of how cities and climate interact, and the role that science can play in building a sustainable Earth’s future,” Zhao said. “I am grateful to AGU for giving us this recognition, and I hope to continue contributing to the scientific community with the same spirit of excellence and service that this award represents.”

Honorees will be recognized at AGU25, which will convene in New Orleans, Louisiana on 15-19 December 2025. Reflecting the theme ‘Where Science Connects Us’ at AGU25, the Honors Reception will recognize groundbreaking achievements that illustrate science’s continual advancement, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.