Christine Albano

Dr. Christine Albano serves as an Assistant Research Professor in Ecohydrology at the Desert Research Institute (DRI), Reno Campus, within the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences. Her work focuses on applied research to understand the interplay between climate and natural resource management on water availability and ecological conditions in the southwestern United States.

Education:

• PhD in Hydrologic Sciences from University of Nevada, Reno
• MS in Ecology from Colorado State University
• BS in Biology (Minors: Chemistry and Environmental Studies) from Westminster College

Dr. Albano's research centers on atmospheric rivers as drivers of hydrologic and ecological variability in the western U.S., quantifying sensitivities of meadow and riparian vegetation to climate variability in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin, characterizing effects of flow alterations in ecosystems, and landscape-scale conservation planning. She employs field observations, remote sensing, atmospheric reanalysis datasets, and statistical modeling techniques to understand spatial patterns and drivers of hydrological responses at regional to continental scales.

Her publication record shows a strong focus on atmospheric river impacts, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, and climate adaptation strategies. Recent work emphasizes the relationship between atmospheric rivers and hydroclimate volatility, groundwater-dependent ecosystem mapping, and forecast-informed reservoir operations. Her research bridges hydrology, ecology, and climate science to address pressing water resource challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.

Dr. Albano previously worked as a field ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment Program, managed a conservation science program near the Grand Canyon's North Rim, and led applied research projects with the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.