Zachary Kaufman

Bio

My research as a climate scientist seeks to understand the physical processes that shape the polar regions. The high latitudes are undergoing the largest changes on Earth; in recent decades, Arctic temperatures have warmed at twice the global average, while 2023 featured the lowest Antarctic sea-ice extent on record. Policymakers’ ability to manage the consequences of these changes requires improved polar climate predictability. Rapidly declining Arctic Sea ice exposes new economic resources and shipping routes, necessitating a detailed understanding of where and how quickly newly open water will appear. In the Antarctic, the instability-prone West Antarctic Ice Sheet may have large future contributions to sea-level rise, but predicting the timing and magnitude of ice sheet melt requires a better understanding of how Antarctic warming trends will progress. To address these scientific priorities, my research characterizes ocean-ice sheet interactions, ventilation of the deep ocean, and coupled atmosphere-ocean variability, among other phenomena. A common theme across my work is the use of data-driven techniques to reconcile discrepancies between models and observations, identifying key areas for improving future generations of climate models.

Academic Appointments

• Casual - Other Teaching Staff, Continuing Studies and Summer Session

Professional Education

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of California Santa Cruz (2022)
• Bachelor of Arts, Wesleyan University, Earth & Environmental Science (2016)
• PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz, Climate Dynamics (2022)

Stanford Advisors

• Earle Wilson, Postdoctoral Faculty Sponsor