Lewis M. Rothstein

Lewis M. Rothstein is a Professor at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography. His career spans mechanical engineering, ocean engineering, and physical oceanography with research focusing on climate change, ocean dynamics, and numerical modeling.

• Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography (University of Hawaii, 1983)
• M.S. in Physical Oceanography (UH, 1979)
• M.S. in Ocean Engineering (University of Massachusetts, 1975)
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Bridgeport, 1973)

Rothstein's research explores climate change impacts on ocean circulation, submesoscale oceanic fronts, tropical cyclone-induced heat fluxes, and coupled biogeochemical modeling. He employs numerical simulations and satellite data to study coastal and open-ocean processes.

His publications over the last decade (2003–2013) examine climate-ocean interactions, mode water dynamics, and coastal circulation patterns. These works bridge broad disciplines like physical oceanography, climate science, and ecological modeling. Rothstein teaches graduate courses in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (OCG 610, 611) and co-teaches undergraduate oceanography for specialized students.

As Science Director of the Metcalf Institute for 8 years, he emphasized science communication and journalist training. While no scientific awards are listed, his work has secured significant NSF funding, particularly for climate impact studies. He mentors graduate students with a focus on increasing female representation in oceanography.