My Story
Hello! My name is Owen Rahman and I am a Master’s student here in the SNR department at UNL, specializing in Bio-Atmospheric Interactions. I am working with Dr. Rezaul Mahmood on determining land surface characteristics that affect flash drought. My work will help agriculturalists and emergency managers understand precursors to flash droughts in order to properly prepare for the agricultural, ecological, and socioeconomic impacts that can come from flash droughts.
I am from Ferdinand, Indiana, a small town in southwestern Indiana. I grew up surrounded by agriculture, helping out on the family farm. On the farm, we grow corn, soybeans, make hay, and take care of a herd of beef cattle. I did my undergrad at Purdue University, where I graduated with a B.S. in Atmospheric Science in May 2025.
My agricultural upbringing played a large role in where I am today. It helped me learn about the weather growing up and how interconnected it is with so many aspects of society. It also introduced me to climate studies and agricultural meteorology. In the summer of 2024, I was fortunate enough to participate in an internship opportunity at the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). That opportunity opened many doors to me that I wasn’t aware of previously. It connected me with the work of other Regional Climate Centers across the U.S., and eventually brought me to UNL and to Dr. Mahmood. From it, I’ve been able to dive into my interest in drought and the agricultural applications of meteorology.
Outside of work, I like to watch football and basketball, play recreational sports, go for runs/hikes/bike rides, and explore nearby parks. When I am home, I enjoy helping out on the farm.
I am excited to get to work with UNL to increase our forecastability and resilience to future flash drought events!