Nicholas Siler

Nicholas (Nick) Siler is an Associate Professor of Atmospheric Science and Associate State Climatologist for Oregon at Oregon State University. His research focuses on mountain precipitation, global hydrologic cycles, water isotopes, and regional climate change. He explores mechanisms behind precipitation variability, such as the influence of tropical ocean temperatures on California’s climate and the impacts of climate change on orographic rainfall patterns.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Harvard University
• PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Research Interests:

Dr. Siler investigates how climate change and natural variability affect precipitation patterns, particularly in mountainous regions and semi-arid zones. His work integrates observational data, isotopic analysis, and climate models to understand processes like atmospheric rivers, rain shadows, and paleoclimate reconstructions. Recent projects include analyzing the failed 2015-16 El Niño forecasts and the role of Indian Ocean temperatures in California’s precipitation patterns.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Collaborates with water resource managers and agricultural communities to translate climate research into practical applications.
• Leads studies on dynamical downscaling methods and the impacts of global warming on western US hydrology.

Awards: None explicitly listed, though his work has received recognition for advancing climate modeling methodologies.