Within the college of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, OSU has started a Climate Science option. Let’s learn about the first graduate of the program!
Meet Ryon Merrick: the very first graduate of the Climate Science program. With the addition of the Climate Science option, Merrick is able to apply his knowledge to climate change research and climate communications. In addition to the Climate Science option, Merrick graduated with a physics and anthropology minor. His passion for physics allows him to use equations to observe and evaluate an ever changing environment.
During his time at OSU:
The program allowed him to study the planet’s climate history, oceanography, ecology, and geology, and he sees a vision of bringing climate discussions into social science courses as well. Merrick wants to tie in climate topics with its application to human populations.
The climate science option focuses on physical climate science while combining multidisciplinary fields such as biological, social, political and economic systems. Check out additional requirements and options within the option here.
While at OSU, Ryon conducted research with an assistant professor, Jennifer Hutchings studying ice sea dynamics. He improved his skills in programming and was able to produce software to analyze his data. Ryon presented his research at the 2015 American Geophysical Union annual meeting and is hoping to get the research published in the upcoming months.
Since OSU:
Ryon now works at the Woods Hole Research Center in Massachusetts. He works to assess the economic, environmental, social and health effects of climate regulation and legislation. Due to his broad background and skills, he is the perfect fit for multidisciplinary research.
In Ryon’s words, The availability of the climate science curriculum here at OSU has kept me engaged and has let me follow my scientific fascination.
Congratulations Ryon for being a part of something great here at Oregon State University!
CATEGORIES: Academics Alumni Profiles