Instructor

Waleed Abdalati, Professor of Geography

Dr. Abdalati is the Director of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado and a Professor in the university’s Department of Geography.   CIRES, established through a cooperative agreement the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a diverse institute that focuses on understanding the Earth System and its components, as well as the human relationship with our environment.

Dr. Abdalati’s research interests are in the use of satellite and airborne remote sensing techniques, integrated with on-site observations and modeling, to understand how and why the Earth’s ice cover is changing, and what those changes mean for life on Earth. In particular, his research focuses on the contributions of ice sheets and high-latitude glaciers to sea level rise and their relationship to the changing climate. He has been involved in the development of various satellite missions, and he has led or participated in 9 field and airborne campaigns in the Arctic and Antarctic. His technical and scientific expertise is complemented by considerable experience communicating with the public, the media, and NASA sponsors and stakeholders.

Dr. Abdalati received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University in 1986, a M.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Colorado in 1991 and 1996 respectively. He has also received a number of awards for his research and service from the White House, NASA, and various professional organizations.