Academic focus: Weather and climate in the tropical atmosphere
Research summary: I am an atmospheric scientist that enjoys using both theory and models to ask fundamental questions about the tropical atmosphere. For instance, I am particularly interested in the dynamics and impacts of tropical cyclones (colloquially known as hurricanes), especially how hurricanes might change with global warming. More broadly, I am also interested in the dynamics and predictability of the tropical atmosphere.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I am an avid cyclist and also enjoy playing competitive volleyball (though my bones are starting to get old!). When I’m not being active, I very much enjoy cooking and trying new food.
What (specifically) brought you to Cornell CALS?
I was specifically drawn to the combination of the high-quality science and the wonderful people at Cornell CALS. Ithaca is also beautiful!
Why did you feel inspired to pursue a career in this field?
I majored in computer science for my undergraduate degree, though was always a weather weenie growing up. Instead of pursuing the tech industry out of college, I chose to go to graduate school for atmospheric science to “try it out.” One thing led to the next, and here I am!
What’s the most surprising/interesting thing you’ve discovered about Cornell and/or Ithaca so far?
Ithaca (and the surrounding area) is home to over 150 waterfalls! I learned this through doing the New York Times crossword puzzle.
If you had unlimited grant funding, what major problem in your field would you want to solve?
I would want to be able to directly map changes to Earth’s climate to changes in weather-related hazards for all areas on the planet, so we can translate “degrees of warming” to “increases in weather-related risk.”
