Joseph S. Francisco

Joseph S. Francisco is the President’s Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on applying experimental and theoretical chemistry to atmospheric problems, particularly cloud surface chemistry and solar radiation impacts. He has made breakthroughs in understanding molecular-level atmospheric processes and acid rain chemistry.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin (1977)
• Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1983)

Research Interests: His work bridges atmospheric chemistry with physical chemistry, emphasizing chemical kinetics, spectroscopy, and aerosol-cloud interactions. He investigates how solar radiation drives chemical reactions at cloud interfaces, contributing to climate modeling and environmental science.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Fellow of the American Physical Society
• Fellow of the American Chemical Society
• Member of the National Academy of Sciences

Editorial Roles: Executive & Associate Editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society; Editorial Board Member of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.