Leigh Stearns

Leigh Stearns is a Professor and Graduate Chair in the Department of Earth & Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, within the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on the impacts of climate change on the cryosphere, particularly ice sheet dynamics, sea level rise, Arctic shipping risks due to shifting sea ice and icebergs, and glacier loss affecting water resources at low latitudes.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. (2007) – Department of Earth Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME
• M.Sc. (2002) – Department of Geological Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• B.A. (1999) – Geology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN

Dr. Stearns employs satellite remote sensing, machine learning, and geophysical instrumentation to study cryospheric systems and integrates observational data into numerical models for predictive analysis. Her work bridges observational geoscience with computational modeling, contributing to climate risk assessment and policy-relevant science.

While specific publications are not listed in the text, her research portfolio as described indicates strong focus areas in glaciology, climate modeling, and remote sensing applications in polar regions. She is also committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the geosciences.

There are no listed scientific awards in the provided text.

Dr. Stearns advises graduate students as Graduate Chair and is likely involved in securing research grants, though specific grants and advisees are not detailed. Her leadership role suggests active mentorship and program development within the graduate curriculum.

Although specific labs or research teams are not mentioned, her use of satellite data, machine learning, and geophysical tools implies leadership of a research group engaged in polar and climate science, likely involving both undergraduate and graduate researchers.