Michael N. Evans

Michael N. Evans is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds affiliate professorships in Atmospheric & Oceanic Science (AOSC) and Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Scientific Computation (AMSC). His research focuses on paleoclimatology, global environmental change, and the use of tree rings and isotopic analysis as climate proxies. Evans has held visiting professorships at institutions like the University of Edinburgh and University of Bristol. He is an Editor of the Journal of Climate and has led initiatives like the Ocean2k Working Group under PAGES (Past Global Changes). His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, data reproducibility, and climate modeling improvements.

Education:

• A.B. magna cum laude in Environmental Science & Policy (Harvard College, 1992)
• Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Columbia University, 1999)

Research Interests: Evans explores tropical climate dynamics, ENSO variability, and the interplay between physiological processes in trees and environmental conditions. His lab develops mechanistic models to interpret proxy data, such as stable isotopes in tree rings and corals. Recent work addresses biogeochemical cycling, pollution dispersion modeling, and coral reef stress diagnostics.

Key Contributions:

• Founder of the Ocean2k Working Group
• Developer of PRYSM (Proxy System Modeling software)
• Co-chair of PAGES Scientific Steering Committee (2018-2020)

Grants & Awards: Over 20 years, Evans secured NSF, NASA, and NOAA grants, including a prestigious NSF CAREER award. His honors include the American Meteorological Society Editor’s Award (2018) and multiple visiting professorships globally.

Labs/Teams: He directs the Stable Isotope Laboratory at UMD and collaborates with international networks like the Oeschger Centre and Future Earth’s Risk & Resilience programs.