Travis Allen O’Brien

Travis Allen O’Brien is an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, in the College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth Science (2011) and an M.S. in Earth Science (2008) from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a B.S. in Physics (2005) from the same institution.

His research focuses on understanding weather and climate phenomena that impact human and natural systems, utilizing numerical models, novel data analysis techniques, and fundamental theory. Key research areas include the Coriolis Effect, marine stratocumulus clouds, and the physical characteristics of weather patterns such as fog and extremes. He investigates interannual variability in weather types, modeling approach accuracy, and anthropogenic climate change impacts on specific weather patterns.

• Education:
  • B.S. Physics, University of California, Santa Cruz (2005)
  • M.S. Earth Science, University of California, Santa Cruz (2008)
  • Ph.D. Earth Science, University of California, Santa Cruz (2011)
• Research Interests: Climate science, atmospheric physics, numerical modeling, data analysis, weather extremes, and climate change impacts.
• Professional Background: Prior Research Scientist (2011–2019) at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, followed by a transition to academia.