The Jerlov MEDAL

2024 MEDAL: Professor Dariusz Stramski

Professor Dariusz Stramski of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego has been selected by The Oceanography Society as the 2024 recipient of the Nils Gunnar Jerlov Medal in recognition of his significant and wide-ranging contributions to the field of optical oceanography.

With a distinguished career spanning over 40 years, Dr. Stramski has made profound impacts on the study of ocean optics. Born in Poland, Stramski received his M.S. with honors in oceanography (1978) and Ph.D. in Earth sciences (1985) from the University of Gdańsk. His research began with groundbreaking measurements of wave-induced underwater light fluctuations during his graduate studies, which laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to understanding the complex interactions between light and seawater. His subsequent work has encompassed a diverse array of topics spanning radiative transfer in the ocean, the application of optical methods in oceanography, and the development of innovative optical technologies.

Dr. Stramski’s contributions in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications are vast and varied. He has explored the interactions of light with numerous marine particles, from viruses and colloids to phytoplankton, minerals, and bubbles. His meticulous experiments have measured both absorption and scattering properties across a broad spectral range, in addition to detailed characterizations of concentration, composition, and size distribution of suspended particulate matter. His theoretical work has pushed the boundaries of the field, employing novel reductionist concepts and approaches to advance inverse optical models and algorithms. These models support studies of the world’s oceans using satellite remote sensing and in situ optical observations. His contributions notably also encompass the development of innovative technologies to measure the particle size distribution of submicron particles as well as the spatial and temporal variability in underwater light fields, including low-light environments. Dr. Stramski’s multifaceted contributions continue to shape ocean optics research, benefiting both scientific understanding and practical applications.

Beyond his research, Dr. Stramski is celebrated as a distinguished collaborator, thorough editor, excellent educator, and influential mentor. He has led numerous research projects, participated in many oceanographic expeditions in various regions of the world’s ocean, and has been actively involved in teaching and various professional activities. He has served as an Associate Editor of the journal Limnology and Oceanography and a member of expert panels, working groups, and science teams, with notable contributions to IOCCG and NASA MODIS, VIIRS, and PACE missions. At Scripps Oceanography, where he has worked since 1997, he has taught and mentored students from diverse backgrounds, significantly impacting their academic and professional trajectories.

Dr. Stramski will be honored during the Ocean Optics XXVI Conference.