Neil Debbage

Neil Debbage, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) within the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. His research integrates urban climatology, natural hazards, and sustainability through advanced GIS and modeling techniques to enhance urban resilience against heat and flood threats, with publications in high-impact journals including Water Resources Research and International Journal of Climatology.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Geography, University of Georgia
• M.S. in Geography, University of Georgia
• B.A. in Geography, University of Georgia

Dr. Debbage's research program centers on urban climate challenges, employing spatial analysis and numerical weather modeling to investigate the urban heat island effect, flood vulnerability, and sustainability interventions. His work examines physical and social determinants of urban environmental risk, with recent projects evaluating cool pavement efficacy and urban climate action plans. This interdisciplinary research bridges geography, environmental science, and public policy to develop practical solutions for climate-resilient cities.

Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on urban heat mitigation strategies, environmental justice in flood risk assessment, and climate policy evaluation across megaregions. His work demonstrates evolving methodological sophistication from foundational hydrological studies to current policy-oriented climate action research, emphasizing spatial equity and practical urban adaptation measures.

Scientific Awards:

• University of Texas San Antonio College of Liberal and Fine Arts Stumberg Assistant Professor Researcher of the Year (2022)

Dr. Debbage actively secures competitive research funding including NASA grants for air quality monitoring and urban hydrometeorological analysis, totaling over $2.3 million in collaborative projects. He serves as faculty advisor for UTSA's Gamma Theta Upsilon geographical honor society and teaches core courses in GIS, spatial analysis, and climate science. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong institutional partnerships with NASA and local sustainability offices focused on translating research into actionable urban resilience strategies.

While specific laboratory facilities aren't detailed in available materials, his research involves collaborative teams analyzing urban climate data through GIS and modeling frameworks. Current projects emphasize real-world applications including San Antonio's cool pavement implementation and Texas Triangle cooling center accessibility, indicating active engagement with municipal planning agencies to operationalize climate adaptation measures.