Eric Rignot

Eric Rignot

Donald Bren Professor of Earth System Science, Department of Earth System Science

Chancellor’s Professor of Earth System Science, Department of Earth System Science

Biography

Eric Rignot holds the positions of Donald Bren Professor and Chancellor’s Professor of Earth System Science at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He also serves as an Academic Partner and Senior Research Scientist at Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. Dr. Rignot earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and multiple M.Sc. degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Astronomy from the University of Southern California and the University of Paris VI, respectively.

Dr. Rignot's research focuses on the dynamics of ice sheets and their contribution to sea level rise, with significant work conducted on the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. His research employs remote sensing technology, including radar interferometry, to study glaciological changes. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed studies and is recognized as a leading researcher in his field, having received multiple accolades such as the NASA Group Achievement Award and being named a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher in Geosciences for several consecutive years. His work has been integral to missions like NASA’s IceBridge and the Oceans Melting Greenland project, where he holds key scientific roles.

At UCI, Dr. Rignot teaches several courses in Earth System Science, including both undergraduate and graduate classes on remote sensing and climate change. He has supervised numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them in research that spans various aspects of cryospheric science. Dr. Rignot contributes to his scientific community through editorial roles in prominent journals, including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and serves on various national and international scientific committees, enhancing both academic and public understanding of climate science and its impacts.

Return to top

Degrees

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1991
  • MSc in Aerospace Engineering, University of Southern California, 1988
  • MSc in Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1987
  • MSc in Astronomy, University of Paris VI Pierre et Marie Curie, 1986
  • Engineer Degree, Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures, 1985

Distinctions

  • Research.com Earth Science in United States Leader Award, 2023-2024
  • Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher, Geosciences, 2018-2022
  • Distinguished Senior Faculty Award for Research, University of California Irvine, 2019
  • Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2019
  • NASA Group Achievement Award, Oceans Melting Greenland Team, 2019
Return to top

Areas of Expertise

  • Earth System Science
  • Remote Sensing Technology
  • Glaciology
  • Cryosphere Dynamics
  • Climate Change Impacts
  • Radar Interferometry
  • Sea Level Rise
  • Ice Sheet Dynamics
  • Ocean-Glacier Interactions
  • Environmental Remote Sensing

Recent Publications

Return to top

Most Cited Publications

Return to top

Contact Information

Website: http://www.issm.jpl.nasa.gov

Email: erignot@uci.edu

Phone: 949 824 3739

Address: Croul Hall, Irvine California 92697

Return to top

This profile was last updated on 2/12/2025.

This profile was created with the help of AI.