About me
I'm an atmospheric scientist with a primary focus on tropical convection and precipitation variability across various spatio-temporal scales. Currently, I work as a postdoctoral researcher with the Hydroclimatology group in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia.
My current research centers on understanding drivers of organized convection in the tropics. We employ mechanism-denial simulations at storm-resolving resolutions to explore the significance of soil moisture heterogeneity in the Amazon basin and cloud-radiation interactions in the Eastern Pacific for the for the development of convective systems and their diurnal cycle.
In addition to my research, I'm keen to foster science education and effective communication in climate science. Explore other tabs for more details about my past research and other activities, and don't hesitate to contact me (simply click on the icons in the sidebar).
Short CV
Education
PHD - Earth Sciences
2018 - 2021
Max Planck Institute for Meteorology - University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Thesis: Sensitivity of resolved convection to ocean and land surfacaes in the tropical Atlantic and Amazon basin.
Advisors: Dr. Cathy Hohenegger and Prof. Dr. Bjorn Stevens
M.Sc - Atmospheric Sciences
2016 - 2017
Sorbonne Universités - Sciences Paris, France
Thesis: Study of the interannual and decadal rainfall variability in tropical South America over the last century.
Advisor: Dr. Myriam Khodri
B.Sc & Engineer - Meteorology
2010 - 2015
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina - Lima, Peru
Thesis: Intraseasonal large-scale circulation patterns related to rainfall in the Amazon basin.
Advisor: Dr. Jhan Carlo Espinoza
Profesional Experience
Postdoctoral researcher
Sep, 2022 - Present
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
University Lecturer
Apr, 2022 - Aug, 2022
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Remote)
Postdoctoral researcher
Jan, 2022 - Apr, 2022
Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany
Research Assistant
Sep, 2017 - Mar, 2018
Instituto Geofísico del Perú - Institute de Recherche pour le Développement, Lima, Peru
Research
What drives precipitation in the tropics? Understanding the factors that influence where and when it rains in tropical regions is of utmost importance. The tropics receive most of the solar energy on Earth, which is absorbed by land and ocean, ultimately giving rise to clouds and rain. Consequently, tropical convection can have a profound impact on weather and climate patterns globally.
Throughout my research journey, I have been closely tied to describing and understanding the various processes that contribute to precipitation variability from diurnal to decadal timescales. I employ a range of tools and approaches, including observational datasets, model outputs, and the application of statistical and machine learning techniques. In recent years, I have also incorporated convection-permitting modeling as a tool to better understand the underlying physical mechanisms of this complex phenomenon.
Below you can find information about my past research.
Outreach
I believe that clear communication is essential both within the scientific community and when conveying complex ideas to the general public. Beyond research, I am interested in promoting climate science education. Here are two recent initiatives I've been involved in:
Climatemach Academy
This is a wide-reaching and inclusive program dedicated to making climate science education accessible to all. Their first course on "Computational Tools for Climate Science" was launched on July 2023. I actively contributed to its organization and collaborated on developping the scientific project entitled "Precipitation variability and extreme events". For more information visit their website, volunteers are always welcome :)
JovenANDEX journal club
This initiative seeks to foster dialogue and the exchange of ideas among the ANDEX young scientist network (JovenANDEX), which includes individuals from the scientific community in the Andean countries or those conducting research in the Andean region. I'm assisting in coordinating the club focused on "Climate modeling". Click here to join this club, or click here to register for JovenANDEX (both forms are written in Spanish).