Meteorologist Isha M. Renta López and Dr. Ángel F. Adames Corraliza, both graduates of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), will receive prestigious honors from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in recognition of their contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences, their professional leadership, and their impact on training future generations of scientists.
The awards will be presented during the organization's annual conference, to be held in January 2027 in Denver, Colorado, where the trajectory and legacy of both Puerto Ricans in meteorological research will be highlighted.
Renta López will receive the 2027 Robert H. and Joanne Simpson Mentorship Award, a distinction that recognizes outstanding contributions to mentorship and the professional development of new generations within the atmospheric sciences.
"As a Puerto Rican meteorologist whose fascination with hurricanes since childhood inspired me to pursue this career, receiving an award that bears the name of two pioneers in hurricane meteorology feels like a beautiful coincidence. Mentorship has become one of the greatest privileges of my career. Ironically, I didn't even hear the word 'mentor' until I was in graduate school. Looking back, though, I realize I was always surrounded by incredible people who believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me recognize the potential I had, even when I couldn't see it myself," Renta López said.
She currently serves as manager of the Weather Program Office at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she has worked since 2015.
A native of Ponce, the UPRM alumna earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from UPRM in 2004. She also completed the Meteorology Curricular Sequence, an experience that strengthened the foundation of the professional career that distinguishes her internationally today.
Beyond her scientific contributions, she actively promotes Puerto Rican culture. In 2014, she founded the group Semilla Cultural, dedicated to spreading the tradition of bomba puertorriqueña in the state of Virginia. She is also the author of the children's book Sofía y su tambor de bomba.
Adames Corraliza, for his part, will receive the Clarence Leroy Meisinger Award, given to professionals who make outstanding contributions to the atmospheric sciences during the early stages of their careers.
"I'm receiving this award for innovative and impactful contributions to the development of moisture wave theory, which has advanced our fundamental understanding of tropical meteorology. The work I've done with my group examines how fluctuations in atmospheric water vapor couple clouds with winds. These systems are called moisture waves, and although the name isn't familiar to many people, Puerto Ricans know them well. Moisture waves are a family of tropical systems that includes the tropical waves in the Caribbean that affect Puerto Rico," Adames Corraliza explained.
The meteorologist, who is also a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has conducted research focused on better understanding the dynamic processes that influence tropical weather systems and their impact on climate.
A native of San Sebastián, he earned his bachelor's degree in Physics from UPRM in 2010, a foundation that would support a distinguished research career in the field of atmospheric sciences.
These honors reflect the international reach of the contributions made by graduates of UPR's Mayagüez campus and their ability to transform scientific knowledge through research, innovation, and service.
"This recognition of two distinguished graduates reaffirms the academic excellence of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the impact of our graduates in generating knowledge and addressing global challenges. We take great pride in knowing they continue to leave a meaningful mark in their respective fields and represent Puerto Rico and their alma mater with excellence," said Dr. Miguel A. Muñoz, interim chancellor of UPRM.
Similarly, Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde, president of UPR, highlighted the significance of this distinction for the entire university community.
"At the University of Puerto Rico, we feel deep pride in Isha Renta López and Ángel Adames Corraliza, two graduates whose careers demonstrate the reach that an excellent academic education can have. For an organization as prestigious as the American Meteorological Society to recognize their contributions to science and to the training of new generations reaffirms our University's ability to prepare professionals who stand out and make an impact beyond Puerto Rico. Their achievements bring honor to their University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, to all of UPR, and serve as an inspiration for our students," Jordán Conde said.