The Columbia Climate School has expanded its faculty with the appointment of five new members, announced by Dean Jeffrey Shaman. The school aims to equip future generations with the necessary tools to address climate change and sustainability challenges. Shaman emphasized the importance of a strong faculty in achieving this mission. The new appointments will officially begin on January 1, 2025.
Suzana Camargo (Professor of Climate) brings expertise in extreme events, specifically tropical cyclones and their correlation with climate variations over different time frames. She has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to climate and disasters. Originating from Brazil, Camargo holds a Ph.D. in physics from the Technical University of Munich and is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.
Michael Puma (Professor of Climate) leads the Center for Climate Systems Research at the Columbia Climate School, overseeing a team of scientists and staff focused on climate science, space studies, and climate impact analysis. His research concentrates on global food security, human migration, and the interaction between water resources and climate patterns, providing crucial insights for policymakers.
Lisa Sachs (Associate Professor of Professional Practice) serves as the director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, focusing on research and advisory work aligning investment practices with Sustainable Development Goals. She is an expert in global investment flows and sustainable development, collaborating with stakeholders to influence investment policies for positive impact.
Jeff Schlegelmilch (Associate Professor of Professional Practice) leads the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School, focusing on public health preparedness and community resilience. He advises on grid resilience planning and government preparedness systems, contributing insights to various media outlets.
Gisela Winckler (Professor of Climate) specializes in climate science and isotope geochemistry, investigating climate change and environmental processes across different time scales. Her work involves understanding the interplay of climate change, the carbon cycle, and aerosols using various climate archives. Winckler is passionate about connecting science with art, journalism, and activism to raise awareness about climate issues.
