John Mejia

Dr. John Mejia is an Associate Research Professor in Climatology at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in atmospheric modeling and climate dynamics. He leads research on regional climate modeling frameworks for the Western U.S., focusing on weather and climate prediction, uncertainty quantification, and climate change impacts. His work integrates advanced atmospheric models like WRF and CESM to study hydroclimate, mesoscale convection, and urban heat islands.

Education: PhD in Meteorology/Regional Climate Modeling from the University of Oklahoma (2008), MSc in Water Resources Management from National University of Colombia (2002), and BSc in Civil Engineering/Hydrology from National University of Colombia (1999).

Research interests include atmospheric dynamics, moisture surges during the North American Monsoon, and improving climate models for policy-relevant applications. He teaches courses in Climate Modeling, Atmospheric Turbulence, and Mesoscale Modeling at the University of Nevada's graduate program.

Key achievements include the 2014 Peter B. Wagner Medal for applying atmospheric models to policy development, a NASA Group Achievement Award (2008), and recognition for academic excellence at the University of Oklahoma. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Geophysical Research and International Journal of Climatology.

Dr. Mejia's grants and advising focus on climate adaptation, aerosol impacts on precipitation, and urban climate studies. He collaborates with NSF EPSCoR to broaden STEM participation and mentors students in climate modeling and atmospheric science.