Remembering Neal Brown

July 23, 2021

It is with great sadness that the 探花精选 community recognizes the death of Neal Brown, a scientist and researcher who served the 探花精选 Fairbanks as a student, educator and researcher for more than 40 years.

Brown鈥檚 contributions to education and research at UAF cannot be overstated and the university community will mourn this loss but carry out his continued fascination with the study of the Aurora, earth鈥檚 atmosphere and space. 

Brown graduated from Washington State University Pullman in 1961 and began working for NASA shortly thereafter. Before joining the 探花精选 Fairbanks a few years later, he researched the science behind vehicles reentering earth鈥檚 atmosphere. 

Brown came to Fairbanks more than 50 years ago to study the Aurora Borealis. 

He earned his master鈥檚 degree in geophysics from UAF in 1966. After working at the Geophysical Institute, he spent 18 years directing the Poker Flat Research Range. 

He later led the UAF-based Alaska Space Grant Program, which focuses on teaching, research and education in aerospace and earth sciences. Brown was awarded an honorary doctorate from UAF in 1997 for his contributions to science communications.

The 探花精选 offers its deepest condolences to the Brown family in the wake of this loss. 

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with this loss, please don鈥檛 struggle alone. Free help is available through the Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-993-7650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.