Highlighting Student Profiles: Tashiana Osborne at Scripps College
Tashiana Osborne, a fourth-year graduate student at the University of California San Diego's Scripps organization, is making strides in climate sciences with a specialisation in hydrometeorology. Her research focuses on the atmosphere, water, and oceans, particularly in the context of climate and health.
Osborne's work is closely aligned with the study of atmospheric rivers, significant atmospheric phenomena involving concentrated water vapor transport that impact weather and water resources. While her research does not delve directly into atmospheric rivers, her expertise in atmospheric and water systems provides a solid foundation for this area of study.
Osborne's research addresses the scientific understanding of atmospheric and hydrological processes like atmospheric rivers and their implications for sustainability and public health. By doing so, she supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, clean water, and health.
Osborne's research aims to understand the effects of atmospheric rivers once they reach land, including how their moisture interacts with mountains, whether we see rain or snow in certain areas, and how streamflow and runoff are affected. This knowledge is crucial for informing policies aimed at climate resilience, water security, and health outcomes.
In addition to her research, Osborne studies extreme rain and snow events that affect the western U.S., their impacts, and the ocean-atmosphere patterns and phenomena that may be driving them. Field work during December through March in Northern California often forms a part of her research, providing exciting opportunities that she describes as feeling like part of a mission.
Osborne can be found on Twitter @TashianaOsborne and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes @CW3E_Scripps. She encourages everyone to seek and protect a healthy mind and well-being, especially in the face of the challenges presented by higher education programs for underrepresented groups.
Osborne's journey in meteorology began at a young age, inspired by her experiences with various weather conditions and a school assignment. She has been influenced by various role models and mentors throughout her life, including family members, college mentors, and PhD mentors.
Osborne chose Scripps for its reputation, unique opportunities, idealistic setting, and the presence of advisors Art Miller and Marty Ralph who shared her research interests. She finds moments of overcoming challenges and sharing science with others rewarding. During field work, she launches weather balloons with radiosondes every three hours to measure atmospheric pressure, winds, temperature, and humidity at different levels of the atmosphere.
Osborne would like to see improvements in diversity and inclusion within the Scripps community. She grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Phoenix, Arizona before receiving her undergraduate degree from Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she double majored in meteorology and hydrology and minored in mass communication.
Osborne's work is a testament to the power of scientific research in addressing global challenges and supporting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Her passion for meteorology and commitment to sustainability make her an inspiring figure in the field of climate sciences.
- Tashiana Osborne, a graduate student specializing in climate science and hydrometeorology, is educating herself further in environmental science to deepen her understanding of climate change and its impact on the environment.
- Osborne's current research focuses on the atmospheric, hydrological, and oceanic processes, particularly atmospheric rivers, and their effects on sustainability, public health, and extreme weather events, contributing significantly to the UN's climate action, clean water, and health SDGs.
- In pursuit of personal growth and self-development, Osborne encourages everyone to seek knowledge and well-being, especially those in higher education programs that may present unique challenges, and to take inspiration from her journey in meteorology as a model for success in environmental and climate sciences.
