Prior to joining the MIT faculty, he was a research associate at Harvard University and a visiting scientist with the Australian Department of Energy and Resources. Dr. Herring received bachelor 's and master's degrees in surveying from the University of Queensland (Australia) and a Ph.D. from MIT. He is an expert in the use of GPS for geophysical research and has published papers related to the use of GPS for atmospheric research. Dr. Herring is the current chair of the National Research Council Committee on Geodesy under the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources, Commission on Geosciences, Environment, and Resources.