At the intersection of Data Science and Interdisciplinary Oceanography, my research leverages high-performance computational tools to analyze, model, and visualize oceanic and atmospheric processes. My expertise spans a diverse range of topics, from ocean vortices and extreme weather events to oceanographic influences on marine conservation.
I am passionate about uncovering scientific answers while also developing tools that empower other researchers and stakeholders to explore their own questions. My work extends beyond research, focusing on building open-source software that enhances data analysis, visualization, and accessibility for the broader scientific community.
The Origins and Aftermath of Extreme Events
I use Earth and environmental sciences theory and computational methods to understand the causes and regional impacts of extreme events on ecosystems and human populations.
Investigating atmospheric blocking using cloud computing for extreme weather analysis.
SWOT Mission Data: Estimating extreme flood event volumes.
Geophysical and Socioeconomic Data: Assessing extreme event impacts.
Satellite Data and Ocean Models for Wildlife Conservation
This research explores how oceanographic and atmospheric conditions impact the conservation of endangered species, using remote sensing and predictive modeling. The project originated with the study of Tico’s journey—the longest recorded distance traveled by a released West Indian manatee—conducted in collaboration with AQUASIS. This story was explored by a science communication article at Oceanus Magazine (WHOI). For those interested in the technical details, the code has been made available on GitHub.
Saving Tico - Article at Oceanus Magazine - Illustration by Charin Park
Tico and his brother from rescue to release
Tico's journey from Brazil to Venezuela
Tico surfing the currents
Freshwater availability
Multiscale Oceanographic Datasets for Investigating Ocean Dynamics
I use a wide range of ocean-observing technologies, from satellite altimetry and SWOT measurements to DopplerScatt aircraft data, moorings, oceanographic stations, Seagliders, drifters, and Wave Gliders. By combining these observations with advanced data analysis and visualization tools, I study how ocean vortices form, evolve, and move particles.
Matching altimetry-tracked mesoscale vortices and vertical profiles
High-resolution Doppler Scatterometer and airborne sea surface temperatures
Tracking origin and paths of mesoscale vortices
The evolution and growth rate of mesoscale vortices
Investigating topographic submesoscale vortices close to the Equator
Time series processing and analysis of ocean moorings
Eddy composite analysis combining large ocean datasets and scalable visualization workflows
Modeling Vortex Dynamics and Phytoplankton Interactions
Theoretical and interdisciplinary projects on vortex dynamics and biophysical interactions from sub to mesoscale. Using high-performance computing and GPU-accelerated code, I study how ocean physics and biology interact across scales. The code for the simulations and analyses of one of the published papers is available on GitHub.
Two-dimensional forced turbulence simulations
Modeling submesoscale fronts and biogeochemical tracers
Submesoscale process modeling on GPUs
Biophysical interactions at multiscale ocean processes
Air-Sea Interaction in the Indian Ocean
Projects on understanding air-sea interactions in the Indian Ocean and their relationship with Monsoon Rain, both from Atmospheric Sciences and Oceanography perspectives.
Intense atmospheric cool pool in the Bay of Bengal
Identifying atmospheric cold pools from time series
The role of atmospheric cold pools on air-sea heat fluxes
Estimating the direction of propagation of cold pools
Sea surface temperature (SST) biases from satellite products
Combining multiple datasets to investigate SST biases
Teaching Initiatives and Experience
As an enthusiast of hands-on teaching experiences, I enjoy finding creative ways for teaching ocean and environmental sciences, such as exploring theory using lab experiments, analyzing real-world examples or running idealized numerical simulations.
Data visualization for educational purposes (Latitude Dependence of Planetary Vorticity)
Exploring real-world examples along with theory (Hurricane tracks)
Exploring real-world examples along with theory (Winds and Ocean Gyres)
Laboratory experiments on rotating tanks
Simulating laboratory experiments on rotating tanks