Director of Research, Oklahoma Climatological Survey
Adjunct Associate Professor of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma
B.S. Atmospheric Science (1994), Purdue University; M.S. Meteorology (1998); Ph.D. Meteorology (2001), University of Oklahoma
Dr. Basara’s research has focused on a variety of projects spanning micrometeorology to regional climatology including the physical processes which impact the development of the planetary boundary layer, the development, validation, and improvement of land surface models used in numerical weather prediction, severe weather, droughts, flash floods, strategic weather network design, urban meteorology, and the validation of remotely sensed soil moisture and skin temperature from satellite mounted instruments. A key component of his research involves the use of in situ observations (e.g., the Oklahoma Mesonet) to gain new insights into processes within the land-atmosphere continuum and how those processes impact complex environmental relationships at varying spatial and temporal scales.
The results of past (and current) research have been included in undergraduate and graduate courses taught at the University of Oklahoma. In particular, students have been shown how the enhanced observational capabilities (e.g., the Oklahoma Mesonet) can lead to the discovery of new phenomena and the development of new theories and applications.
Research Associate, Oklahoma Climatological Survey
B.S. Meteorology (2000), University of Oklahoma; M.S. Meteorology (2002), University of Oklahoma
Brad Illston is interested in surface and subterranean observational and climate data, urban/atmospheric interactions, boundary layer processes, and land surface interactions. The majority of his work involves the use of the Oklahoma Mesonet and Oklahoma City Micronet. His past research has led to the development of a soil moisture climatology of Oklahoma and a better understanding of the impacts droughts have on soil moisture conditions. His current research involves understanding the near surface and below boundary layer impacts from the development of large urban ares. Brad is also involved with various field projects being conducted in part by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey and its research partners across the state and nation.
State Climatologist, Oklahoma Climatological Survey
Adjunct Associate Professor of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma
B.S. Mathematics & Meteorology (1987), University of Wisconsin; M.S. Meteorology (1991), University of Oklahoma; Ph.D., Meteorology (2003), University of Oklahoma
Dr. McPherson has experience in applied climatology, mesoscale meteorology, severe storms, applied meteorology, and surface observing systems. She also teaches Applied Meteorology and Climatology. Most recently, her work has focused on integrated surface observing systems, land-air-vegetation interactions, the climate and weather extremes of Oklahoma, and climate impacts on water, ecosystems, and society. Dr. McPherson is a member of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), American Association of State Climatologists, and other professional organizations. She serves on the AMS Commission on the Weather and Climate Enterprise and has led efforts to bring economic development to Oklahoma through technology transfer to the private sector and the international community.
Director, Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program
B.S., University of Illinois; M.S. Meteorology, University of Oklahoma; Ph.D., Political Science, University of Oklahoma
Dr. Shafer established and leads the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP), a NOAA Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) Program at The University of Oklahoma and Louisiana State University. SCIPP and OCS focus on place-based applications of climate and weather information to improve community preparedness to a range of natural hazards. His research interests focus upon communication between the scientific community and policy makers, particularly in managing societal response to extreme events. Primary areas of research include the influence of scientific and technical information on policy outcomes and institutional factors that can affect the flow of information.
