Jane W. Baldwin

Jane W. Baldwin is an Assistant Professor of Earth System Science at the University of California, Irvine, with an adjunct appointment as Associate Research Scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University. Her research bridges large-scale atmospheric dynamics, climate impacts, and policy applications.

Education:

• PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (2018), Princeton University
• BA in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) (2012), Harvard University

Baldwin’s work focuses on understanding how mountains shape global and regional climate, the evolution of tropical cyclones under warming, and the health impacts of heatwaves. Her group develops climate models to address issues like heat stress survivability, cyclone risk, and environmental justice, collaborating with economists, public health experts, and geologists.

Her recent publications highlight advancements in topographic boundary conditions for climate models, physiological approaches to heat stress, and equity-centered disaster risk modeling. Key themes include orographic effects on precipitation, tropical cyclone vulnerability, and age-related health risks under climate change.

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• National Merit Scholarship (2007)
• Fung Foundation Scholarship (2009)
• PRISE Summer Research Grant (2010)
• Phi Beta Kappa (2011)
• John Wood Prize (2012)
• Summa Cum Laude (2012)
• Princeton Centennial Fellowship (2012–2016)
• Perkins Fellowship (2015–2018)
• PEI-STEP Carbon Mitigation Initiative Best Paper Award (2020)

She mentors students and researchers in projects spanning climate dynamics, heatwave modeling, and tropical cyclone risk assessment, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and actionable climate science.