Remembering Neal Brown
July 23, 2021
It is with great sadness that the University of Alaska community recognizes the death of Neal Brown, a scientist and researcher who served the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a student, educator and researcher for more than 40 years.
Brown鈥檚 contributions to education and research at 绿奴天花板F 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 University of Alaska 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 绿奴天花板F in 1966. After working at the Geophysical Institute, he spent 18 years directing the Poker Flat Research Range.
He later led the 绿奴天花板F-based Alaska Space Grant Program, which focuses on teaching, research and education in aerospace and earth sciences. Brown was awarded an honorary doctorate from 绿奴天花板F in 1997 for his contributions to science communications.
The University of Alaska 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.