wel/
I am an interdisciplinary researcher interested in climate, paleoclimate, and water resources, particularly in the southwestern US. I am a Regents Professor Emerita in the School of Geography, Development, and Environment, but I spend most of my time at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research when I’m on campus.
Most of my research focuses on understanding the hydroclimate of the past to inform current environmental and societal concerns, with a focus on major watersheds in western North America. While paleoclimatology is at the heart of my work, it inevitably extends to include the investigation and understanding of the controls on hydroclimate from instrumental data. A strong component of my research is the connection between the scientific aspects of my work and the challenges of managing natural resources (especially water) in the face of changing demands, climate extremes, and climate change impacts. I strive to employ a transdisciplinary approach to my research, encompassing not only an interdisciplinary approach, but integrating the perspectives of potential users of scientific information – not as an afterthought, but as a part of the process of shaping a science agenda. Finally, my research considers how we, as scientists, should take responsibility for our role in addressing societal problems, and our role in educating the next generation of scientists in ways to promote the integration of science into decision making across a broad spectrum of users and decisions.