Dr. Huilin Gao, a professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). This recognition honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the atmospheric, oceanic or hydrologic sciences.
Gao’s research focuses on using remote sensing and hydrologic modeling approaches to better understand and predict how freshwater systems respond to human activities and extreme events, like droughts and flooding. Her work has significantly advanced the use of remote sensing data to monitor global reservoir storage and evaporation, which is essential for water resources management and planning. She has made outstanding contributions to advancing scientific understanding, research, and applications for societal benefits.
The AMS Fellows program is very selective, recognizing just two-tenths of one percent of members each year. Gao, along with the other 26 new fellows, will be recognized at the 106th AMS Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony in January 2026.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be elected as an AMS Fellow. I am extremely grateful to those who nominated and supported me, as well as to the many mentors who have guided me throughout my career,” Gao said. “I would like to share this honor with my current and former students and postdocs at Texas A&M.”
Gao's research has garnered over millions of dollars in funding from organizations such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, and various federal and state agencies. Her findings have been published in numerous premier scientific journals. Her work continues to provide actionable insights for improving water resource management.
The AMS is a prominent international organization dedicated to advancing and exchanging knowledge in atmospheric, oceanic and hydrologic sciences. Gao was recently honored in 2024 as the Robert E. Horton Lecturer in Hydrology by the society.