My research explores the relationships of extreme weather, climate variability, and climate change on natural and human processes. The climate that we experience controls much of the world around us. When our climate abruptly changes or gradually shifts, there can be related consequences to both our communities and our health.
The goal of my work is to understand these linkages between climate and health, so that we can help prepare our populations for climate- and weather-related disasters. To determine these relationships, I use a variety of climate and environmental data sources to explore associations with human health outcomes.
Much of my experience in this field comes from my previous position, where I created the first joint research position between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The role of this dual appointment was to provide a mechanism to integrate NOAA climate and environmental data into CDC health projects. This work provided me firsthand experience that is now the foundation for my current research.
In addition to this, my participation as a lead author for the U.S. Global Change Research Program report "The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment" that was released by the White House in 2016 has also shaped my professional interests. A key finding of this report is that climate change is a significant threat to the health of the American people and that every American is vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. As this finding suggests, there are many research opportunities to evaluate and understand the role of climate on human health. By accomplishing this work, we have the potential to save lives and create more climate resilient communities.
Master of Applied Science
Master of Science in Natural Resource Sciencesincluding specializations in
Doctorate of Philosophy in Natural Resource Sciencesincluding specializations in