Jessica Kleiss

Jessica Kleiss is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Lewis & Clark College. Her research focuses on fluid dynamics in the ocean and atmosphere, particularly using image processing techniques to study cloud geometry and wave breaking. She holds a PhD in Physical Oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2009) and dual BS degrees in Mathematics and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences from MIT (2000).

Her work combines remote sensing, computational analysis, and field observations to inform climate models. Recent projects include estimating 3D geometry of shallow cumulus clouds using ground-based sensors and analyzing wave dynamics in extreme environments like the Gulf of Tehuantepec. She has also explored green roof runoff quality in urban settings.

Teaching includes courses on climate science, oceanography, and spatial analysis in Earth systems. Her research methods span oceanographic instrumentation, atmospheric imaging, and interdisciplinary environmental problem-solving.

Professional experience includes postdoctoral work at the University of Washington’s Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO). Current research focuses on validating climate models through cloud observations and advancing automated cloud classification techniques.