Graduate Student Spotlight: Grace Affram
Department: Plants, Soils, and Climate
College: College of Agriculture and Applied Science
Degree: Ph.D. in Climate Science
Research project: The Western U.S. Hydroclimate
Faculty Mentor: Wei Zhang
Why did you choose this research project?
I chose this project to investigate the key drivers of extreme precipitation events and their impact on the increasing frequency of droughts and floods in the Western U.S.
What motivates you to study your area of research?
My motivation began when the Western U.S. experienced a severe drought in 2020/2021, followed by an extreme wet winter in 2023. This prompted me to understand the drivers of these extreme precipitation events—both natural and human-induced factors—and how they impact water resources. This understanding is crucial for building effective climate resilience and developing future water management strategies.
What do you want to do after you earn your degree?
After earning my doctorate degree, I aim to work in climate research and policy development, helping to design strategies that mitigate the impacts of extreme precipitation events, such as droughts and floods.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about choosing your field of study?
Be prepared to connect research with real-world applications, as your work can directly impact communities and industries. Stay curious, be open to learning new methodologies, and understand that addressing climate challenges requires both scientific knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration.