Alexander (Sasha) Gershunov

Research Meteorologist

Climate, Atmospheric Science and Physical Oceanography (CASPO)

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

UCSD

Sasha’s research focuses on interrelated aspects of weather, climate and society. His professional interests include understanding the links between regional weather extremes and large-scale climate variability and change, long-range climate prediction, the atmospheric water cycle, precipitation and drought, heat waves, cold snaps, marine layer clouds, atmospheric rivers, Santa Ana winds, extreme weather and climate impacts on wildfire, energy, ecosystems, water resources and public health, climate influence on society and human influence on climate.

Sasha received formal education at the University of California (UC). He holds a BS in mathematics from UC Irvine, MS in applied probability and statistics and PhD in geography, both at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB). Sasha is affiliated with the Climate Education Partners (an NSF-funded San Diego-focused activity), NOAA’s California and Nevada Climate Applications Program, Department of the Interior’s Southwest Climate Science Center, and with the Center for Water and Weather Extremes (CW3E) at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all focused on regionally-relevant climate research with benefit to society ranging from education to resource management.

Sasha has authored over 80 peer-reviewed research articles in professional journals and various other documents for decision makers and the public. He enjoys working with colleagues and friends across borders and disciplines.