Branwen Williams

Branwen Williams is the George R. Roberts Professor of Integrated Sciences: Environmental Science at Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Director of the Roberts Environmental Center (REC). She earned her Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Ohio State University (2009), M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Quebec at Montreal (2005), and B.Sc. in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Guelph (2003). Her research focuses on using marine organisms like corals and algae to reconstruct past environmental changes, particularly anthropogenic carbon penetration and ocean acidification, while working with communities to build climate resilience.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Geological Sciences, Ohio State University (2009)
  • M.Sc., Biology, University of Quebec at Montreal (2005)
  • B.Sc., Marine and Freshwater Biology, University of Guelph (2003)
• Current Roles:
  • George R. Roberts Professor of Integrated Sciences: Environmental Science, Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences, CMC
  • Director, Roberts Environmental Center, CMC
  • Editor, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (AGU)

Her research spans proxy record development from marine organisms, anthropogenic carbon impact on oceans, ocean acidification, and natural/anthropogenic-induced climate variability over the past millennium. Publications include studies on coralline algae calibration, deep-sea coral geochemistry, and Arctic/Subarctic climate archives. Current projects involve comparing ocean circulation models with proxy data to identify biases and seasonal variations.

Recent publications highlight trends in environmental science, paleoclimatology, and geochemistry, with a focus on Aleutian coralline algae calibration, Labrador Sea productivity, and North Pacific decadal variability. Notable awards include being a National Geographic Explorer. Funding sources include the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Henry Luce Foundation.

She leads the Williams Lab at CMC, where she mentors students like Aaron Zhang (Computer Science/Mathematics, Harvey Mudd College) and Resh Mukherjee (Environment, Economics and Politics, CMC). Former post-bac researchers include Sophie Bernstein (Environmental Studies, Oberlin College) and Kyle Greenspan (EEP, Pitzer College). Her work integrates scientific research with policy, emphasizing community resilience to climate change.