Gregory S. Jenkins

Gregory S. Jenkins is a Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Geography, and African Studies at The Pennsylvania State University, where he is affiliated with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. He also serves as the Director of the Alliance for Education, Sciences, Engineering and Development in Africa (AESEDA), demonstrating his commitment to advancing scientific understanding and educational opportunities in Africa.

Dr. Jenkins received his BS in Physics from Lincoln University and went on to earn both his MS and Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Space Sciences from the University of Michigan. After completing his doctoral studies, he spent two years as a post-doctoral fellow at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, before joining the faculty at Penn State University in 1996.

Dr. Jenkins' research primarily focuses on atmospheric chemistry, climate, and tropical meteorology, with a specific emphasis on West Africa. His work investigates the complex interactions between atmospheric processes, climate variability, and human health in the region. He has made significant contributions to understanding tropospheric ozone dynamics, Saharan dust transport, and the impacts of climate change on West African weather patterns.

Analysis of Dr. Jenkins' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on atmospheric chemistry and climate dynamics in West Africa. His research spans multiple interconnected areas including ozone chemistry, Saharan dust transport, tropical cyclone formation, and climate change impacts. A notable trend is his integration of field observations with modeling approaches to address complex atmospheric phenomena in the region, particularly focusing on how natural and anthropogenic factors interact to influence air quality and weather patterns.

• NSF Career award
• Fulbright Senior Research Fellow (2003/2004)
• 2007 Alumni Merit Award from the AOSS department at the University of Michigan
• Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (2014)

Dr. Jenkins has been actively involved in significant research initiatives including the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (NAMMA) field campaign in Cape Verde and Senegal. As Director of AESEDA, he leads efforts to strengthen educational and research collaborations between Penn State and African institutions. His work bridges atmospheric science with practical applications for communities in West Africa, addressing challenges related to weather hazards, air quality, and climate change impacts.

Through AESEDA and his participation in international field campaigns, Dr. Jenkins has established research partnerships across West Africa, particularly in Senegal and Cape Verde. His work often involves collaborative teams that combine U.S. and African scientists to address regional atmospheric phenomena with global implications.