Uploaded November 2022 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
Donald Gurnett (62BSEE, 63MS, 65PhD) was a pioneer in the field of plasma wave research whose innovative instrumentation captured a profusion of data during more than 30 space research missions, including Voyager, Cassini, and Galileo. A scientific scholar through and through, the longtime professor in the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy—who died in January 2022—also gave generously to ensure the future of space exploration.
About Donald: foriowa.org/daa/daa-profile.php?namer=true&profileid=599
About the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Awards: Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University. See a full list of past recipients and learn more about the awards: foriowa.org/daa
Donald Gurnett (62BSEE, 63MS, 65PhD) was a pioneer in the field of plasma wave research whose innovative instrumentation captured a profusion of data during more than 30 space research missions, including Voyager, Cassini, and Galileo. A scientific scholar through and through, the longtime professor in the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy—who died in January 2022—also gave generously to ensure the future of space exploration.
About Donald: foriowa.org/daa/daa-profile.php?namer=true&profileid=599
About the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Awards: Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University. See a full list of past recipients and learn more about the awards: foriowa.org/daa
