Dr. Craig Frederick Bohren is a distinguished atmospheric scientist renowned for his foundational contributions to the understanding of light scattering and atmospheric optics phenomena. He holds the position of Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, where he has been a faculty member for several decades following his PhD from the University of Arizona. Born in San Francisco, California on February 24, 1940, he completed his undergraduate education with a B.S. in mechanical engineering before pursuing advanced studies in atmospheric sciences. His early scientific development was significantly influenced by his studies under Bruce Barkstrom, who introduced him to atmospheric radiation principles that would shape his research trajectory. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he established himself as a leading authority on the optical properties of the atmosphere and their theoretical foundations.
Dr. Bohren's scholarly work has fundamentally advanced the field of atmospheric optics through his rigorous theoretical frameworks and comprehensive analyses of light scattering phenomena. He is the author of approximately 100 scientific articles that have significantly shaped contemporary understanding of radiative transfer processes and atmospheric thermodynamics. His seminal textbooks on light scattering and atmospheric radiation have become standard references in the field, providing essential theoretical foundations for generations of atmospheric scientists. These works have not only clarified complex optical phenomena in the atmosphere but have also established methodological approaches that continue to inform both academic research and practical applications in meteorology. The enduring impact of his contributions is evident in the widespread citation of his publications and the continued relevance of his theoretical frameworks decades after their publication.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Bohren has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of atmospheric sciences through his clear and accessible scientific writing that bridges complex theoretical concepts with practical understanding. His popular science books on atmospheric optics have brought the beauty and science of atmospheric phenomena to broader audiences, fostering public appreciation for the intricate optical processes that shape our visual experience of the sky. As an emeritus professor, he continues to contribute to the scientific discourse through scholarly reflections on the historical development of atmospheric optics research as evidenced by his personal history publications. His legacy endures through the countless students and researchers who have learned from his texts and benefited from his precise, methodical approach to scientific inquiry. The field of atmospheric optics remains deeply indebted to his systematic exploration of light-matter interactions in the atmosphere, which continues to inform contemporary research in climate science and remote sensing applications.
