Dr Farouk El-Baz is Director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University, USA. He participated in NASA’s Apollo program (1967-72) as secretary of lunar landing site selection, and chairman of astronaut training in visual observations and photography. In 1973-82 he established and directed the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC. Dr El-Baz became Vice President for Science and Technology at Itek Optical Systems in 1982-86, before joining Boston University. He pioneered the applications of space photography to the fields of archeology, geography and geology, with emphasis on groundwater in desert regions. Dr El-Baz is a Life Member of the National Geographic Society and the Explorers Club. He received numerous honors, including NASA’s Apollo Achievement Award, the Nevada Medal, and the Egyptian Order of Merit - First Class. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and Chairman of the U.S National Committee on Geological Sciences. |
