State Climatologist

Rm. 232B

(850) 644-3417 phone
(850) 644-4841 fax

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My research directly involves my role as state climatologist for Florida. The Florida Climate Center is the leading authority on climate variability in Florida, particularly as related to ENSO. The Climate Center was involved with the Southeast Climate Consortium, one of the previous Regional Integrated Science and Assessment (RISA) teams funded by NOAA's Office of Global Programs. Through this involvement, we conducted research into downscaled and localized climate forecasts and their application to the sectors of agriculture, forestry, and water resources. The consortium included the State Climate Offices of Georgia and Alabama, as well as agriculturist, hydrologists, and social scientists from the University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Georgia, University of Alabama Huntsville, and Auburn University. The Southeast Climate Consortium received additional funding through USDA and USDA Risk Management Agency.

An example of the climate information products developed by Florida Climate Center is a method of forecasting wildfire threat based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The experimental forecast expresses wildfire threat in probabilistic terms and is used by the Florida Division of Forestry for planning management strategies and allocation of resources. The wildfire threat forecast was expanded to include the states of Georgia and Alabama. These results were presented at the National Seasonal Assessment Workshop, Eastern and Southern States in January of 2006. The KBDI forecast for the Southeast was included as guidance in the final report.

Curriculum Vitae (PDF Document)

Assistant State Climatologist

(850) 644-0719 phone

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As the assistant state climatologist for Florida, my work involves direct climate services, education and outreach, and applied climate research. I coordinate user data requests and provide information about the historical and current climate and weather of Florida and the broader Southeast U.S. region. My research is focused on applied research topics that aim to address data and information needs that can inform planning and local decision making.  Much of my research has explored historical climate trends and extremes, natural hazard risks, and community adaptation planning. I also serve as the Florida state co-coordinator of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS), a voluntary-based network of citizen scientists who measure and report precipitation from their own backyards.

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