Overview
My research integrates applied mathematics, nonlinear dynamics, and computational methods to analyze Lagrangian transport and coherent structures in oceanic flows. I have established a balanced portfolio of fundamental and applied research, demonstrated through extensive publications and collaborations in physical oceanography, machine learning, and environmental modeling, translating theoretical concepts into practical applications for offshore safety and environmental protection.
Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=d9P4fiYAAAAJ
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Research Innovation and Impact
Developed and validated novel methodologies to extract persistent Lagrangian patterns from large Eulerian velocity datasets, revolutionizing the analysis of oceanic transport. This foundational work (52 citations for 2018 development; 55 for 2019 drifter validation) has demonstrated widespread impact:
Altering Research Practices: Introduced a reliable approach where none previously existed, now utilized by numerous international researchers across more than 15 diverse oceanic regions worldwide (including, e.g., the Gulf of Mexico, Bay of Plenty New Zealand, Bay of Bengal, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, tropical Atlantic, and Indonesian Seas).
Driving Operational Advancements: Under active consideration by NOAA’s Emergency Response Division and Environment and Climate Change Canada for oil spill preparedness and response, highlighting its practical utility.
Inspiring Broad Applications: Sparking interest for diverse applications beyond initial scope, including fisheries, marine heatwave analysis, and other environmental studies.
Next Generation Training: The methodology has been incorporated into five doctoral dissertations and adopted by three postdoctoral researchers (with a postdoctoral scholar leading the 2019 drifter validation study as first author), helping cultivate a Lagrangian perspective among the emerging generation of oceanographers.
For a comprehensive view of global applications and collaborators using this methodology, see the: detailed research impact page.
Education
Ph.D. Physical Oceanography 2020
College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Oregon State University.
Adviser: Prof. Roger M. Samelson.
Dissertation: Kinematics and Dynamics of a Model Eastern-boundary Poleward Undercurrent.
M.S. Physical Oceanography 2014
College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Oregon State University.
Adviser: Prof. Roger M. Samelson.
Research paper: Establishing suitability of an ocean model for a poleward undercurrent study.
M.S. Mathematics 2013
Department of Mathematics, College of Science.
Oregon State University.
Adviser: Prof. Yevgeniy Kovchegov.
Research paper: Predicting the most likely state for a basic geophysical flow: theoretical framework
B.S. Oceanography 2006
Facultad de Ciencias Marinas.
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Thesis: Calculation of superficial advective velocities from sequential satellite images (AVHRR) in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, México.
Experience
| Research Scientist Planetary Science Institute | 01/2024–to date | |
| Research Scientist Theiss Research | 05/2017–04/2024 | |
| Faculty Research Assistant College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Oregon State University. | 10/2015–04/2017 | |
| Researcher National Energy Technology Laboratory. U.S. Department of Energy. Oak Ridge Fellowship Program. | 08/2014–09/2015 | |
| Graduate Research Assistant College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Oregon State University. | 09/2008–08/2014 |