Climate | Research Area

Climate change is the defining environmental challenge of our time, and we’re dedicated to understanding its complex, far-reaching drivers and impacts. We provide the critical science, modeling, and human-environment expertise that helps regions, governments, and communities prepare for and thrive in a warming planet.

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Shelby Anderson

Human eco-dynamics, climate resilience, Arctic archaeology

Shelby L. Anderson is a Professor in Anthropology at Portland State University. She obtained her BA from Western Washington University in 2001, and her MS and PhD from the University of Washington in 2011. Her research...

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John Bershaw

Paleoclimate, stable isotope geochemistry, geothermal energy potential

I do a variety of research and teaching within Earth Science on paleoclimate, stable isotope geochemistry, stratigraphy, and basin analysis. I have published on the uplift history of the Altiplano, Pamir, Tibetan Plateau,...

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Heejun Chang

Climate impacts, hydrology, coupled human-water systems

Heejun Chang serves as associate dean for research and graduate programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since July 2021. He joined PSU in 2001 as an assistant professor after obtaining a Ph.D. at the Pennsylvania...

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Linda George

Urban air quality, atmospheric modeling, environmental health equity

Dr. Linda George is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Management at Portland State University. Her research and teaching focus on modeling and measuring urban air pollutants, with particular...

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Kelly Gleason

Snow hydrology, wildfire ecohydrology, climate impacts on water resources

Dr. Kelly E. Gleason, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Management, and the Director of the Graduate Certificate Program in Hydrology, at Portland State University. She received...

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Andrés Holz

Forest ecology, disturbance dynamics, global environmental change

Andrés Holz and his students conduct use-inspired science and support translational research in the areas of vegetation dynamics and disturbance ecology (fire, insect outbreaks, volcanic eruptions, and other disturbances),...

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Paul Loikith

Extreme weather, climate modeling, atmospheric drivers of climate change

Dr. Paul Loikith is the Interim Director of ISS as of August 2024. Paul is an atmospheric scientist with a background in weather and climate science and an expert on weather and climate extremes across the Portland...

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Jill Marshall

Critical Zone science, progressive rock failure, Arctic geomorphology

Dr. Marshall's research and technical interests include: The mechanics of climatic, lithologic, biotic, and abiotic controls on landscapes and Critical Zone processes, paleoclimate influence on modern Critical Zone...

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Pronoy Rai

Climate and agro-ecological change, climate migration drivers and impacts

OFFICE HOURS CONTACT INSTRUCTIONS Please email (rai@pdx.edu) to arrange a time to meet in person, online, or over the phone. RESEARCH AND TEACHING INTERESTS Human Geography: Global Development, Labor, Migration, Gender...

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Vivek Shandas

Urban climate adaptation, environmental justice, public health in the built environment

Professor Vivek Shandas specializes developing strategies for addressing the implications of climate change on cities. His teaching and research examine the intersection of exposure to climate-induced events, governance...

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