Who is James Jacobson? James Jacobson is a man of many talents, with a career spanning from the skies to the stage. As the senior manager at NASA's Airborne Sensor Facility, he plays a pivotal role in Earth Science missions, ensuring the accuracy of airborne sensors. His work supports satellite calibration, disaster response, and environmental research. Jacobson's journey began with degrees in Engineering Geology, Hydrology, and Earth Science, leading to significant contributions in remote sensing and atmospheric corrections. Beyond his scientific endeavors, he has a passion for music, having played in a punk/rock band and produced pop music. His interests extend to skiing, motorcycles, and cats. Jacobson's multifaceted life showcases a blend of scientific rigor and creative expression, making him a unique figure in both the scientific and artistic communities.
Key Takeaways:
- James Jacobson is a senior manager at NASA Ames Research Center, leading the Airborne Sensor Facility. He collaborates with various NASA centers and contributes to Earth Science missions.
- Beyond his professional achievements, James Jacobson enjoys traveling, learning languages, skiing, and spending time with cats. He also played in a punk/rock band called Big Fun.
Professional Life and Achievements
James Jacobson is a remarkable individual with a diverse career spanning various fields. His work at NASA Ames Research Center and his contributions to environmental research have left a significant mark.
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Senior Manager at NASA Ames: Jacobson leads the Airborne Sensor Facility (ASF) at NASA Ames Research Center in California, playing a pivotal role in Earth Science missions.
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Affiliations: He is associated with both the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute and NASA Ames Research Center, contributing to cutting-edge research.
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Contact Information: Reach him at (650) 604-2865 or james.d.jacobson@nasa.gov for professional inquiries.
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Educational Background: He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Geology and Hydrology from UC Santa Barbara in 2003 and a Master of Science in Earth Science and Remote Sensing from UC Santa Cruz in 2007.
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Airborne Sensor Facility (ASF): The ASF is crucial for NASA's Earth Science Division, focusing on airborne sensors for Earth Observing applications and satellite calibration.
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Role in ASF: As senior manager, Jacobson oversees remote sensing instrumentation and real-time payload communications systems for science field campaigns.
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Calibration Facility: The ASF maintains a Tier 1 calibration facility at Ames, ensuring sensor accuracy for Earth Observing missions.
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Data Availability: ASF data is publicly available, supporting earth science studies, satellite calibration, and disaster response.
Collaborations and Research
Jacobson's work involves extensive collaborations and research in airborne science, contributing to numerous projects and missions.
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Collaborations: He works with various NASA centers for successful Earth Science missions like Operation Ice Bridge and HyspIRI.
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Sensor Array: Jacobson manages sensors like MAS, eMAS, MASTER, AMS, and more, aiding data processing and analysis.
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Research Experience: His research spans regions like Colombia, Peru, Borneo, South Africa, and Hawaii, analyzing GPS and GIS data.
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Atmospheric Corrections: He performs atmospheric corrections on hyper-spectral image data and provides GIS analysis for biomass estimation.
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Field Flight Operations: Jacobson supported field flight operations on the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, contributing to environmental research.
Awards and Publications
Jacobson's contributions have been recognized with awards and publications, showcasing his impact in the field.
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Awards and Recognition: He received the Antarctic Service Medal Award for Operation IceBridge in 2014.
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NASA Group Achievement Awards: Jacobson has been honored with several NASA Group Achievement Awards for projects like FIREX-AQ and SEAC4RS.
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Publications: He co-authored works like "High-resolution forest carbon stocks and emissions in the Amazon."
Leadership and Technical Expertise
Jacobson's leadership and technical skills are vital to his role at the ASF, ensuring efficient project execution.
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Professional Network: He is part of a network of researchers working on critical Earth Observing missions.
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Leadership Role: As senior manager, Jacobson ensures the ASF's operations run smoothly and efficiently.
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Team Collaboration: He collaborates closely with his team to develop and maintain airborne sensors for Earth Observing applications.
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Technical Expertise: Jacobson's expertise in remote sensing instrumentation and data processing software is extensive.
Operational Use and Disaster Response
The ASF plays a crucial role in operational use and disaster response, providing accurate data for various applications.
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Operational Use: The ASF supports remote sensing instrumentation on science field campaigns, ensuring data accuracy.
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Public Archives: ASF data is freely available through public archives, aiding earth science studies and disaster response.
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Disaster Response: The ASF provides timely data for disaster relief operations, playing a critical role in response efforts.
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Satellite Calibration: Jacobson's work involves satellite calibration, ensuring data accuracy for Earth Science applications.
Earth Observing Applications
Jacobson's work at the ASF focuses on developing sensors for Earth Observing applications, including detecting volatile gases.
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Earth Observing Applications: The ASF develops sensors for applications like detecting CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere.
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MASTER Airborne Sensor: Jacobson researched the MASTER sensor's ability to detect volatile gases as part of his Master's degree.
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Carnegie Airborne Observatory (CAO): He worked with the CAO, analyzing GPS and GIS data and performing atmospheric corrections.
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Field Flight Operations: Jacobson supported field flight operations on the CAO, contributing to environmental research.
Collaborations with NASA Centers
Jacobson collaborates with multiple NASA centers for successful Earth Science missions, providing analytical support.
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Collaborations with NASA Centers: He works with groups at various NASA centers for missions like Operation Ice Bridge and SARP.
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Analytical Support: Jacobson provides analytical support for projects, working with sensors and data processing software.
Other Notable James Jacobsons
There are other individuals named James Jacobson with notable achievements in different fields.
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James A. Jacobson (US Air Force): A retired lieutenant general, he served as deputy commander of the Pacific Air Forces.
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Promotions in US Air Force: His career includes promotions from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant General.
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James Jacobson (Musician): A musician, he is the Principal Timpanist of the Richmond Symphony and teaches at various universities.
Personal Interests and Education
Beyond his professional life, Jacobson has diverse personal interests and educational achievements.
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Personal Interests: He enjoys traveling, learning languages, skiing, motorcycles, and spending time with cats. He also played in a punk/rock band called Big Fun.
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Educational Background: Jacobson holds degrees from the University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, and Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University.
A Multifaceted Life of Achievement
James Jacobson's life is a tapestry of diverse experiences and accomplishments. From his pivotal role as the senior manager at NASA's Airborne Sensor Facility to his extensive research in remote sensing and environmental science, he's made significant contributions to understanding our planet. His work with NASA's Earth Science missions, like Operation Ice Bridge and HyspIRI, showcases his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Beyond his professional achievements, Jacobson's personal interests in traveling, music, and outdoor activities add depth to his character. His educational journey, with degrees in engineering geology, hydrology, and earth science, underscores his commitment to learning and innovation. Whether collaborating with NASA centers or supporting disaster response efforts, Jacobson's impact is felt across various domains. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, leadership, and passion in shaping a meaningful career and life.
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