About Me
I am an atmospheric physicist specializing in climate model development. Currently, I work as a research scientist at the SRON Space Research Organization Netherlands, funded through the EU Horizon CleanCloud, with Otto Hasekamp. My expertise includes developing aerosol-cloud interactions within climate models and applying machine learning and AI techniques in climate modeling.
I am a code owner and core developer of the UKESM1 model, up to version 13.2 of the Unified Model. Most recently, I have been involved in the development of the ECHAM6-HAM2.3 and ICON-HAM climate models. Much of my research focuses on improving the representation of aerosols in climate models through observations from satellites, ships, aircraft, and ground stations. In 2023, I completed my PhD in atmospheric physics and chemistry at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, under the supervision of Laura Revell and Adrian McDonald. My Master’s project (MRes; Master of Research) was conducted under the guidance of Graham Mann at the University of Leeds, where I modeled stratospheric sulfate aerosol injections.
Having lived in four countries, I have embraced a culturally immersive and adaptable lifestyle. I enjoy capturing these experiences through photography, and some of my work can be found in my photography section.
Work Experience
2024 – Present
Research Scientist
SRON Space Research Organization Netherlands (The Netherlands)
Climate models, such as ECHAM6-HAM and ICON-HAM, are essential for understanding past and future climate changes. However, significant uncertainties remain, particularly regarding aerosols and clouds. My work focuses on mitigating these uncertainties by integrating new satellite observations from missions by NASA/SRON and ESA, like PACE and EarthCARE. To achieve this, I developed a perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE) consisting of over 221 simulations with slight variations in parameter configurations. Using this PPE as a training set, I apply machine learning techniques to emulate millions of additional simulations efficiently. This approach enables us to pinpoint sources of uncertainty, validate model outputs against observations, and refine the representation of aerosol-cloud interactions in climate models.
By combining satellite data and advanced machine learning, my research aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of climate projections, contributing to a deeper understanding of aerosol and cloud impacts on the Earth's climate system.
Education
University of Canterbury (New Zealand)
PhD in Physics
Feb 2020 - Dec 2023
'Southern Ocean dimethyl sulfide and marine aerosol production simulated with an Earth system model’. Supervised by Laura Revell and Adrian McDonald
University of Leeds (United Kingdom)
Master of Research in Climate and Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Sept 2016 - Sept 2017
Grade: Distinction (A+)
Research project on ‘The global distribution of volcanic aerosol from a notional December 2017 major eruption’. Supervised by Graham Mann and Ryan Neely III
University of Keele (United Kingdom)
BSc(Hons) Geology with Physical Geography
Sept 2015 - Sept 2018
Grade: Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)
University of Utah (United States of America)
Exchange Student
Aug 2016 - Jan 2017