Graduate (MS Hydrology)

I began my graduate studies in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, where I earned an MS in Hydrology (May 2001). For my thesis I studied statistical relationships between New England hydroclimate (streamflow and precipitation) and large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns [e.g., the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific/ North American Teleconnection Pattern, and (of course) the El Nino/ Southern Oscillation]. My Advisor was Professor S. Lawrence Dingman and my committee members were Professors Barry D. Keim (the former New Hampshire State Climatologist) and L. David Meeker.

"Post-Masters" Research
Following graduation I retained my office at UNH’s Institute for the Study of Earth Oceans and Space, with funding from AIRMAP, to expand on conclusions drawn from my thesis by investigating East Coast synoptic climatology. Considering possible mechanisms for changes in NE winter climate, I developed two new indices for regional mid-tropospheric flow and studied regional sea-surface temperatures, gridded cyclone frequency data and indices for large-scale atmospheric circulation. This work was done with guidance from Barry Keim and Cameron P. Wake. I also had some, much appreciated, help from Sam Miller and David Meeker.

I remain engaged in New England winter climate research, working intermittently with Cameron Wake, examining the feasibility of seasonal forecasting of winter temperature, precipitation and snowfall in the New England region.

Undergraduate (BA Geology)

I earned a BA in Geology from The Colorado College (May 1995) where I spent a lot of time in the field doing various mapping projects of surficial and bedrock geology. My love for the geosciences was cultivated on field trips throughout the mountains of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, California, Washington, and even Hawaii. My interest in climate and alpine environments began at CC; my senior project was a study of environmental factors affecting lichen growth and colonization rates on an active rock glacier near Breckenridge, CO. My advisor was Professor Eric M. Leonard.