As a 2025 Knauss Executive Fellow, Po Cheng Chen will join NOAA’s Program Integration Office to combine his scientific expertise with AI-driven initiatives, strengthening government operations while advancing NOAA’s mission of environmental observation and stewardship.

Originally from Taiwan, Po is a PhD candidate in Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and an East-West Center alumnus. For his degree, he has explored global warming, tropical climate variability, and climate feedback mechanisms. He earned his MS in Earth Science at National Cheng Kung University, studying how a New Zealand volcanic eruption affected ionospheric disturbances. Before pursuing his doctorate, Po contributed to greenhouse gas policy efforts in Taiwan and served as an interim editor and writer for a well-known popular science platform, publishing articles on a range of natural science topics—including space, oceans, and climate. He was also awarded the 2018–2020 Taiwan Ministry of Education Government Scholarship for Study Abroad, which supported his graduate studies.

During his time in Hawaiʻi, Po volunteered as a mentor at a local high school, providing personalized instruction to students from diverse backgrounds. Recognizing AI as a pivotal force for future technological progress, he aims to use the Knauss Fellowship to gain hands-on experience in AI-assisted government projects. Ultimately, Po hopes to combine his newfound knowledge with his climate science background to develop impactful solutions for society.