Trenton Wayne Ford

Trenton Wayne Ford is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois. He holds additional roles as Assistant Research Scientist at the Illinois State Water Survey, State Climatologist for the Illinois State Water Survey, and Affiliate at the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute. His research focuses on climate variability, precipitation processes, and weather/climate risk, with emphasis on agricultural climatology and environmental impacts.

Key research interests include climate change impacts on ecosystems, drought assessment, and flash drought dynamics. Recent work explores phenological responses to drought and mitigation strategies for climate extremes. He collaborates widely on projects addressing water resource management and ecological health in the Great Lakes region.

Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to climate science, integrating hydrology, ecology, and policy. Ford’s work has informed agricultural resilience strategies and environmental risk frameworks. He maintains affiliations with the Illinois State Climate Office and actively participates in climate-related academic and governmental initiatives.