Samantha Stevenson-Karl

Samantha Stevenson-Karl is an Associate Professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on tropical Pacific climate dynamics, climate modeling, and the impacts of climate variability on drought and marine ecosystems. She teaches courses such as EDS 296-1S, ESM 203, and ESM 237.

Education:

• PhD in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder
• MA in Astronomy, Wesleyan University
• BA in Mathematics, Western Connecticut State University

Research Interests:

Stevenson's work integrates climate models, field observations, and paleoclimate reconstructions to study atmospheric-ocean interactions, El Niño dynamics, and anthropogenic climate change impacts. She examines drought in arid regions like the American Southwest and investigates ocean circulation in coral reef environments.

Awards:

• Recipient of the NSF Ocean Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2013).

Advising & Collaborations:

Supervises PhD candidates including Sadie Cwikiel, Shay Magahey, Cali Pfleger, and Chen Xing. Oversees postdoctoral researchers Julie Edwards, Yingying Feng, Se-Yong Song, Na Wang, and Aoyun Xue. Collaborates across disciplines, emphasizing applications in ecology, hydrology, and social sciences.

Labs & Groups:

Leads the Past and Future Climates Group, focusing on tropical climate variability and its societal/environmental implications. Hosts the Climate Data Lab for data-driven research.